In this week's episode...

We are joined by Mililma May, Sarah Kell and Carla.

Ceuta and Anti-Migrant Racism in Italy and Australia 

First up we discuss anti-migrant racism in Europe and Italy with the response of right-wing politicians to the recent border crossings from Morocco to the Spanish colonial enclave of Ceuta. In particular we look at the Italian government's response with the suspension of the EU free travel agreement between Spain and Italy, the oportunistic rhetoric about keeping borders secure and Italian citizens safe, and the parallels to anti-migrant racism in Australia. 

46th Anniversary of the 2 August 1980 Bombing of Bologna Centrale Train Station

Marking 46th anniversary of the neo-fascist bombing of Bologna Centrale train station that killed 85 people and injured hundreds, we discuss the hypocritical commentary of Giorgia Meloni and her far right party Brothers of Italy. As almost a fixed appointment each year, Meloni and her ministers continue to avoid acknowledging that the culprits were neo-fascists. Even more damning as has emerged in recent years are the connections between those convicted and some members of Meloni's party Brothers of Italy.

Theatre and Politics of FILEF Sydney in the 1980s and The Importance of Language and Intercultural Solidarity on Aboriginal Land

For the second half of the program we speak to Sarah Kell about her involvement with FILEF Sydney in the 1980s and in particular with FILEF's Italian Community Theatre Group. Sarah speaks about important role of theatre and politics especially in the lead up to the 1988 protest against the Bicentenary celebrations held in Sydney.

We then listen to an audio recording of the FILEF Sydney play from 1988 that Sarah was involved in, Storie in Cantiere. Thanks to Tobia who put this together for our 6 August 2025 episode with narration by Bruno. You can listen to the full audio here.

We come back to speak to Sarah about her work in First Nations' bilingual education in the Northern Territory. Sarah and Mililma also speak about the ongoing impact of colonialism on communities and languages, and the importance of a world beyond English where language and intercultural solidarity can be an antidote to the demagogy of racist right wing politicians in Australia, Italy and beyond.

Listen to the full interview here

Music

Bologna - Francesco Guccini