Piero Castellano
Genoa, Italy
A freelance photographer and journalist based in Genoa, Italy, I provide engaging narratives through articles, interviews, and meticulously captioned photo essays in Italian and English. My work focuses on human stories…
Seen in Pierocastellano, Medium, Ahval +6 more
Return to the Shadow Theatre
Reporting style, Balanced: Subjective personal narrative with factual elements about events and people.
A photographer recounts a long-standing connection with Müzeyyen Nalkesen, a Turkish artist striving to become a master of the traditional Ottoman shadow theatre of Karagöz and Hacivat. After initial success and sudden disappearance from the art form due to workplace difficulties, Müzeyyen rebuilt her life, later returning to the tradition with renewed determination. Media attention sparked by an early article helped preserve her ties to the shadow theatre community. Years later, the narrator reunites with her in Çanakkale, documenting her final initiation as a master. The story highlights the resilience of a cultural tradition and the personal journey of an artist committed to reviving and transmitting it.
Rose syrup, history of a Ligurian excellence
Reporting style, Informative: Mostly factual narrative with minimal subjective commentary
A historic culinary tradition in Liguria is traced through the revival of rose syrup production in Valle Scrivia. Maria Giulia Scolaro’s rediscovery of family recipes and ancient rose varieties led to a regional project that identified two local rose types and formalized production standards. Her work inspired the creation of the Festa delle Rose, expanded local agricultural activity, and secured Slow Food recognition. The tradition continues through new producers even after her retirement, maintaining the cultural and gastronomic legacy of the region.