About the project
As part of the 2025 Week of Discovering European Cemeteries (WDEC), Turin, Italy, has unveiled a moving video production titled Severed, reflecting on the enduring impact of war and the urgent call for peace. The project coincides with the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War and aligns with this year’s WDEC theme, Gardens of 80, which emphasizes Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions – the goal 16 of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Severed is a collaborative effort by the Associazione Nazionale Vittime Civili di Guerra di Torino, Piemonte e Valle d'Aosta, AFC Torino S.p.A., Liceo Coreutico Teatrale Germana Erba, and the Fondazione Germana Erba's Friends. The production blends a musical performance with video storytelling, utilizing historical archives from the ANVCG, the Monumental Cemetery of Turin, and the Ossuary Monument dedicated to civilian war victims.
Featuring young performers, the video encourages reflection on the devastating consequences of war, linking historical memory with a vision for a peaceful future. The project serves as a moving reminder of the human cost of conflict, urging viewers to consider past tragedies and the continuous importance of peace and justice.
Ultimately, Severed stands out as a great example of how art and memory can combine to inspire dialogue and reflection, giving voice to younger generations.