Paolo Sorrentino, the Oscar-winning director known for his distinctive storytelling, presents “La dolce attesa” at Salone del Mobile.Milano 2025. From April 8 to 13, this installation unfolds within pavilions 22-24, offering a unique reflection on the universal experience of waiting. Sorrentino transforms the space into an immersive setting that connects the present and future, capturing both the anticipation and uncertainty that define moments of transition.
This project explores the emotional complexity of waiting, balancing between excitement and anxiety. “Waiting is anguish. Sweet waiting is a journey that amazes and hypnotizes,” Sorrentino explains, setting the tone for an experience that encourages visitors to embrace stillness. The installation invites individuals to pause, listen to their own breathing, and engage with the passage of time in a way that often goes unnoticed in daily life.
A Cinematic Approach to Stillness
Sorrentino’s work often delves into the nuances of human emotion, and “La dolce attesa” serves as a continuation of that exploration. He describes waiting as one of life’s greatest struggles, referencing the tension that comes with anticipating life-changing news or facing the unknown. This installation offers a space where visitors can experience that moment of suspension, where everything remains undecided yet filled with possibility.
The concept resonates as a metaphor for existence itself. Life unfolds within moments of uncertainty, and this installation transforms that in-between state into an opportunity for contemplation. Instead of viewing waiting as an inconvenience, “La dolce attesa” encourages visitors to consider it as a moment for reflection and appreciation.
A Collaboration Rooted in Theatrical Design
For this project, Sorrentino teamed up with Margherita Palli, a highly regarded set designer whose career spans four decades. Known for her extensive collaboration with Luca Ronconi, Palli has crafted stage designs for over sixty productions, working with institutions such as La Scala, Piccolo Teatro di Milano, and the Venice Biennale. Her expertise in creating immersive environments plays a crucial role in shaping the atmosphere of “La dolce attesa.”
Beyond her work with Ronconi, Palli has designed for directors Liliana Cavani, Mario Martone, and Alexander Sokurov, as well as choreographers Yang Jiang and Daniel Ezralow. Her ability to construct spaces that evoke emotion and meaning makes her an essential collaborator in bringing Sorrentino’s vision to life.
