Il mito di Sandokan in mostra a Monza tra storia e immaginario. Parola ai curatori
A new exhibition titled "Sandokan. La Tigre ruggisce ancora" has opened at the Reggia di Monza, exploring the enduring myth of the fictional pirate Sandokan, who first appeared in Italian serialized fiction in 1883. Curated by Francesco Aquilanti and Loretta Paderni, the show brings together ethnographic materials, costumes from the 1970s television series, weapons, books, illustrations, and archival items, including the original Dayak collection donated by Sir Charles Brooke to the King of Italy. The exhibition traces Sandokan's evolution across literature, comics, film, and television, presenting him as a layered, ambivalent hero—both ruthless pirate and justice fighter—whose story remains relevant today.
The exhibition matters because it examines how a popular literary figure can persist and transform across nearly 150 years, reflecting changing cultural attitudes toward colonialism, identity, and heroism. By juxtaposing historical artifacts with fictional objects and contemporary reinterpretations, the show highlights the power of shared memory and the ongoing resonance of archetypal characters in Italian popular culture. It also offers a rare opportunity to see the Dayak collection publicly displayed for the first time, bridging ethnographic history and entertainment.