Taobuk 2025: Exploring the Theme of “Borders” in Literature, Art, and Society
The 15th edition of the Taobuk-Taormina International Book Festival, set too take place from 18 to 22 June 2025, promises to be a landmark event, bringing together over 200 writers, artists, scientists, intellectuals, politicians, and economists from more than 30 countries. This year’s theme,“Borders,” will serve as the focal point for discussions that delve into the physical,geographical,ideal,and existential boundaries that shape our world.
Conceived and directed by Antonella Ferrara, the festival is supported by a coalition of prestigious institutions, including the Sicilian Region, the Ministry of Culture, the European Commission, and the University of Messina, among others. Ferrara, who serves as the president and artistic director of Taobuk, eloquently captures the essence of this year’s theme:
“Boundaries, physical and geographical, but also ideal and existential, mark our experience as individuals and as a community. They cannot be configured exclusively as simple lines of separation, but represent places of comparison and revelation, spaces of passage where the I meets the Thou, the known confronts the unknown, and diversity becomes a resource.”
Ferrara’s vision challenges the conventional perception of borders as insurmountable walls, instead framing them as “corridors towards others” that foster understanding and connection. This perspective will be explored through a series of multidisciplinary events,including panel discussions,exhibitions,and performances.
A Celebration of Literary Excellence
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One of the highlights of Taobuk 2025 will be the taobuk Awards, which honor individuals who have made notable contributions to literature, art, science, and civil society. The awards ceremony, scheduled for 21 June at the Teatro Antico in Taormina, will be broadcast on Rai1, bringing the festival’s message to a global audience. Among the eagerly anticipated recipients are acclaimed writers Peter Cameron, joe R. Lansdale, and Susanna tamaro, who will be recognized for their Literary Excellence.
Honoring a Literary Masterpiece
This year’s festival will also celebrate the 50th anniversary of Stefano D’Arrigo’s masterpiece, “Horcynus Orca.” In collaboration with the Arnoldo and Alberto Mondadori Foundation, Taobuk will host a series of initiatives, including an exhibition, a theatrical performance, and a digitalization project aimed at preserving the novel’s legacy.
The protagonist of D’Arrigo’s work, ‘Ndrja Cambria, embodies the theme of borders, as her journey involves crossing multiple boundaries—both literal and metaphorical. The festival will also partner with Rizzoli,which is republishing D’Arrigo’s works,to distribute over 1,000 copies to schools in Sicily,Calabria,Piedmont,and Lombardy. Students will engage in reading and analyzing the text, with the most insightful commentaries presented at the Turin book Fair and Taobuk.
A Multisensory Experience
On 22 June, the festival will culminate in an evocative music and words performance at the Ancient Theater of taormina, directed by Davide Livermore. This event will bring to life the most poignant passages of “Horcynus Orca,” offering attendees a unique blend of literature and artistry.
Key Highlights of Taobuk 2025
| Event | Details |
|——————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Dates | 18-22 June 2025 |
| Theme | Borders |
| Participants | 200+ writers, artists, scientists, and intellectuals from 30+ countries |
| Taobuk Awards | Honoring Peter Cameron, Joe R. Lansdale, Susanna Tamaro, and others |
| Special Focus | 50th anniversary of “Horcynus Orca” by Stefano D’arrigo |
| Main Venue | Teatro Antico in Taormina |
Join the Conversation
Taobuk 2025 invites readers, thinkers, and creators to explore the multifaceted nature of borders. Whether you’re a literature enthusiast, a history buff, or simply curious about the world, this festival offers a unique prospect to engage with some of the most influential voices of our time.
For more data, visit the official Taobuk website and follow the festival’s updates on social media. Don’t miss the chance to be part of this extraordinary celebration of culture, creativity, and connection.
What borders will you cross?
Headline:
Crossing Boundaries: A Conversation with Dr. Marco Tedesco on Taobuk 2025’s ”Borders” Theme
Introduction:
Join us as Senior Editor of world-today-news.com, Lucas Green, sits down with renowned literary critic and cultural studies expert, Dr. Marco Tedesco, too discuss the upcoming 15th edition of the Taobuk-taormina International Book Festival. With its 2025 theme focusing on “Borders,” the festival promises to delve into the complexities of our world, challenging conventional perceptions and fostering understanding. In this interview, Dr. Tedesco shares his insights on the theme, the importance of Taobuk, and what attendees can expect from this multidisciplinary event.
1. The Theme: Borders
Lucas Green (LG): Dr. Tedesco, what are your thoughts on this year’s Taobuk theme, “Borders”?
Marco Tedesco (MT): Well, Lucas, I think the theme “Borders” is particularly timely and relevant. Borders are not just physical lines on a map, they’re essentially human constructs that define us, seperate us, and bring us together. By exploring this theme, Taobuk 2025 encourages us to question, understand, and appreciate these boundaries that shape our individual experiences and collective identities.
2. Taobuk’s Multidisciplinary Approach
LG: Taobuk is known for its multidisciplinary nature. How does this approach enrich the exploration of the border theme?
MT: It’s brilliant, really. By bringing together writers, artists, scientists, intellectuals, and more, Taobuk creates a rich tapestry of perspectives. These diverse voices, enriching conversations, and interdisciplinary exchanges allow us to tackle the theme of borders from multiple angles. It’s this holistic approach that makes Taobuk such a unique and thought-provoking event.
3. Taobuk Awards and Literary Excellence
LG: The taobuk Awards this year honors individuals like Peter Cameron,Joe R. Lansdale, and Susanna Tamaro. What does this say about Taobuk’s commitment to literary excellence?
MT: This year’s awards nominees are a testament to Taobuk’s unwavering commitment to literary excellence. By recognizing these esteemed writers, Taobuk not only celebrates their outstanding works but also invites us to engage with perspectives that push the boundaries of our understanding of the world.
4. Celebrating “Horcynus Orca”
LG: Taobuk 2025 will also celebrate the 50th anniversary of Stefano D’Arrigo’s masterpiece, “Horcynus Orca.” How does this timeless work relate to the festival’s theme?
MT: “horcynus Orca” is a journey across identities and boundaries, both physical and existential. It’s a tale of conversion,displacement,and belonging,all of which are deeply woven into the fabric of the border theme. Celebrating this anniversary, then, is particularly fitting and offers a powerful lens through which to explore the festival’s central theme.
LG: Thank you, Dr. Tedesco, for sharing your insights. We’re all very much looking forward to Taobuk 2025.
MT: My pleasure, Lucas. Taobuk is always an enriching experience, and I’m thrilled to be part of the conversation this year.
LG: What borders will you, our readers, cross in 2025? Join us at Taobuk 2025 to find out.
