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Madonna marks her 66th birthday with a visit to Pompeii and a generous donation to support a local youth theater project.
Iconic pop superstar Madonna chose the historic ruins of Pompeii as the backdrop for her 66th birthday celebration, but the day was about more than just personal milestones. On Friday night, the singer visited the UNESCO World Heritage site with her entourage and made a surprise gesture that left a lasting impact on the local community.
During her private tour, guided by Pompeii’s director Gabriel Zuchtriegel, Madonna met with a group of teenagers involved in Dream of Flying, a theater project organized by the Pompeii museum. The initiative, now in its fourth year, engages local youth in cultural presentations, offering them an opportunity to express themselves through acting, music and writing.
Moved by the project and its mission to support at-risk children, Madonna decided on the spot to fund the entire 2024/2025 season. The Pompeii museum confirmed her generous donation in a statement, noting that it would cover the program’s budget, which currently stands at around 250,000 euros.
As part of her visit, Madonna watched a brief performance by the young actors, who showcased a selection of their work. Outside the site, fans eagerly waited for hours, hoping to catch a glimpse of the singer.
The Dream of Flying project has already reached hundreds of children and teenagers from the region, giving them a platform to explore their talents. After a successful premiere at Pompeii’s large theater this year, the group took their performance on tour to Bologna and Ravenna, with another scheduled in Vicenza this fall.
While next year’s play is yet to be decided, the Pompeii site organizers hinted that it might be a comedy by Aristophanes. The young participants will adapt the text, blending classical themes with contemporary elements and humor in Neapolitan dialect to reflect their own experiences.
Pompeii, a city frozen in time by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, continues to be a place of discovery and inspiration. Madonna’s visit and contribution have added a new chapter to its rich cultural legacy, ensuring that the voices of the region’s youth will be heard on stages near and far.
With AFP
