The fourth instalment of PER-FORMA, the series of events celebrating reading and the performing arts, organised by ExCogita in collaboration with Terrarium. On 30 March 2025, Terrarium hosted an extraordinary event that brought together literature, chess and art, confirming its role as a cultural reference point in the area. The meeting took place in the picturesque setting of the Terrarium garden, located at its headquarters in Via Garibaldi 20 in Travacò Siccomario.

The novel ‘64’ by Loris Cereda

The star of the evening was Loris Cereda, author of the novel ‘64’, published in 2022 by ExCogita. The book tells the story of Roberto Guardi, a child who survived a tragedy during his childhood and grew up to become world chess champion in 1966. The narrative unfolds against the backdrop of post-war Milan, exploring themes of resilience, passion and dedication.

The Cento Torri Chess Club of Pavia and musical accompaniment

Thanks to the collaboration with the Cento Torri Chess Club of Pavia, the event offered participants the opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of chess. The club provided regulation chessboards and a giant chessboard measuring 3 metres per side, installed in the park of the Terrarium headquarters.

The event offered a mix of readings, music and interactive activities. Lara Cerutti read excerpts from the novel, while musician Vincenzo Rende performed live, creating an engaging and evocative atmosphere. At the end of the presentation, participants had the opportunity to challenge Loris Cereda in exciting chess matches, thus combining literature and games in a unique experience.

Per-Forma: a winning formula

Terrarium played a key role in organising the event, providing a welcoming and versatile space that encouraged the convergence of different art forms. The collaboration with ExCogita made it possible to integrate literature with other artistic expressions, creating a complete cultural experience. The support of the Circolo Scacchistico Cento Torri di Pavia chess club added significant value to the event, offering enthusiasts the opportunity to interact directly with the author and the world of chess.

In conclusion, the event was a virtuous example of cultural collaboration, demonstrating how synergies between different entities can enrich the artistic and social landscape of a region.