by InTrieste
This Sunday, December 1, at 11 a.m., Teatro Verdi will host a thought-provoking lecture on “Chiara d’Assisi: Passion and Determination,” shedding light on a medieval woman who defied societal constraints. Part of the acclaimed Laterza History Lecture Series, the event will feature Maria Giuseppina Muzzarelli, a distinguished historian from the University of Bologna, who will examine the life and legacy of this extraordinary figure.
A Woman in Francesco’s Shadow
Chiara d’Assisi, known in English as Saint Clare, is often seen as a spiritual companion to Saint Francis of Assisi. Yet, her story has largely been overshadowed by his towering legacy as the “madman of God.” Muzzarelli argues that Chiara’s fierce individuality and political courage deserve their own spotlight.
Chiara sought to establish a communal way of life for her followers, the sores, mirroring the ideals embraced by the fratres who followed Francis. Her vision clashed with the ecclesiastical hierarchy of her time, which assigned women strictly subordinate roles. Though she fought tirelessly to redefine these constraints, her struggle remained unresolved—a testament to her unyielding spirit in the face of systemic opposition.
“She did not win, but she was not defeated either,” Muzzarelli emphasizes, highlighting Chiara as a model of resilience and conviction.
A Broader Conversation on Gendered Power Dynamics
The lecture is part of the Laterza History Lecture Series, a six-part program titled “The Battle of the Sexes,” which runs through February 2025. Each installment delves into the shifting dynamics of gender throughout history, examining how power struggles between men and women have shaped family structures, political arenas, and cultural landscapes.
“This is not just a historical inquiry; it’s a reflection of the recurring themes in our modern discourse,” Muzzarelli explains. The series spans eras from antiquity to the contemporary age, exploring both differences and continuities in gendered relationships across centuries.
An Invitation to Learn and Reflect
The lecture, supported by the Municipality of Trieste, CRTrieste Foundation, and media partner Il Piccolo, is free and open to the public. For those unable to attend in person, a live stream will be available on the Municipality of Trieste’s YouTube channel and Il Piccolo’s website.
Maria Giuseppina Muzzarelli brings a wealth of expertise to the event. Her scholarship spans medieval history, urban development, and the cultural history of fashion. Her approach to Chiara d’Assisi blends rigorous historical analysis with a contemporary lens on gender and power.
As Muzzarelli brings Chiara’s story to life at Teatro Verdi, attendees will gain a deeper understanding of a woman whose defiance of the norms still resonates today.
For history enthusiasts and advocates of gender equality alike, this lecture promises to be both a captivating narrative and a call to reflect on the battles—won and ongoing—that define the human experience.
