News - November 2010

Ex Senator Basso's Wife Assaulted and Robbed

The 55 year old wife of Marcello Basso, a previous senator and current head of Council Administration at Stino di Livenza, has been taken to hospital after being attacked outside her house.
Mrs Basso, a doctor, was assaulted as she got out of her car and was forced into her house and robbed of her jewellery. Her assailants then tied her up before escaping from the scene. Mrs Basso was taken to hospital but released shortly after with non serious injuries.

Female Student Hijacks University Opening Ceremony

A female student at the University Ca' Foscari was been reprimanded by police after over coming security to storm the stage during the University Ca' Foscari's opening ceremony.
The student, who has not been named, managed to get onto the stage where the ceremony to mark the opening of the academic year was taking place and to begin reading a document she had written protesting about the choices of the government and the university administration in regards to cuts made in the budget for higher education.
The student was prevented from completing her reading by police who eventually overpowered her.

Tourist Asking For Directions Robbed By Prostitutes

A 42 year old tourist visiting Italy from Belgium had a less than warm welcome to the country after being robbed by a group of prostitutes. The Belgian woman had stopped her car to ask for directions to Venice. Unfortunately she had asked a group of prostitutes who decided this was a golden opportunity to make a little more money.
The prostitutes assaulted and robbed the unsuspecting female tourist then fled the scene. The police were unable to track them down despite the fact that the distressed woman had immediately called them for help.
Nanotechnology Boom In Italy

The number of private nanotechnology companies in Italy has quadrupled since 2004 according to the Airi/Nanotec 2010 census conducted in Venice.

There are currently 190 nanotechnology companies operating in the country with 45% being private companies. Nanotechnology represents a significant industry in the small but influential Italian research sector.

Health Service Workers Strike

2000 nurses and health workers from the Asl in Venice have gone on strike to protest against the administration of the health service which, they say, has led to the loss of millions of euros.
Emergency health workers did not strike on this occasion but there is increasing anger amongst Italian healthcare workers about the state of services available to patients and the working conditions of staff.

Monologues Covering Up Loss Of Theatre Actors

In difficult economic times theatre companies are feeling the pinch and there are now fewer jobs for actors. What has always been a tough profession to find work in has now become even harder as productions cast fewer actors in order to save money.

Laura Barbieri, President of the Teatro Stabile di Veneto, said “Scriptwriters are now getting used to writing scripts for no more than 2 or 3 actors.” Monologues are becoming more prevalent as the style of production adapts to fewer roles.

Actors take around 75% of a theatre companies budget so are the first to get the chop when money is tight.

Palazzo del Cinema To Receive Facelift

Paolo Baratta, the President of the Venice Biennale, has stated that the refurbishment of the Palazzo del Cinema at the Lido, the construction of the Padiglione Italia pavillion and the new Palazzo del Cinema are top priorities. He has also promised that ticket prices will be more strictly controlled in the future.
It is anticipated that the current Palazzo del Cinema will have completed its revamp in time for the start of the next Biennale.