Muscat: For Italian artistic duo Luca Moretti and Lucia Oliva, Oman is more than a recurring setting in their creative journey — it has become a second home and a source of inspiration woven throughout their latest literary project.
The couple, known in Oman for their cross-disciplinary work spanning theatre, literature, visual arts and intercultural initiatives, will release their new book, With Utmost Adventureousness, in July.
The publication chronicles memorable behind-the-scenes stories from more than 25 years of artistic activity around the world, with many of its most significant chapters unfolding in the Sultanate.
The release coincides with a milestone year for the duo, marking a decade of their professional and artistic presence in Oman.
“It recounts memorable backstage moments from the many artistic experiences lived over the course of our activity, across the world and most dearly here in Oman, a land that captured our hearts from the very first time we came, fifteen years ago,” the authors said.
Their connection with the country began unexpectedly during a holiday visit. What started as admiration for Oman’s landscapes, culture and people eventually developed into a long-term commitment to artistic and cultural projects bridging Oman and Italy.
The book captures those experiences through a series of personal anecdotes. One chapter recalls the pair’s first visit to Muscat, when road closures for a cycling race led them on an impromptu walk from Wadi Kabir towards Al Bustan.
“As we approached the roadblock, the police questioned us, but in the end they waved us off cheerfully,” they write, describing their journey along empty roads before encountering a group of Omani men performing a traditional celebratory dance for the passing cyclists.
Another chapter highlights the hospitality that left a lasting impression on the couple during one of their early road trips between Muscat and Dubai. After becoming lost late at night, they were surprised when a stranger insisted on personally guiding them to their hotel.
“In time, we would learn that such behaviour is entirely normal, and that kindness and hospitality are defining traits of the Omani people,” they write. “Oman is a genuinely safe and welcoming country, at any hour of the day or night.”
The same chapter recounts an encounter with Omani police officers who stopped to assist them after seeing them stranded on the roadside. Communication proved difficult until one officer recognised their nationality and exclaimed “Del Piero,” referring to the legendary Italian footballer, creating an instant connection that helped bridge the language gap.
Among the projects featured in the book is The Faerie Tale of Venice and the Incense Trade Route, a major Oman-Italy cultural production that evolved into a book, film and theatrical performance. Premiered in Muscat in 2024 and later presented in Venice and Italy, the project drew inspiration from Oman’s historic frankincense trade and involved collaboration between Omani and Italian professionals and volunteers.
The book also offers readers a glimpse into the challenges behind the production, including the careful transport of a rare Omani perfume bottle containing frankincense, which played a symbolic role during filming in Venice.
While With Utmost Adventureousness will initially be released in Italian, the authors say they are exploring the possibility of an English edition following interest from readers in Oman.
The duo will promote both the book and Oman during a summer presentation tour across Italy, with events planned in libraries, literary clubs and historic venues.
“I hope this collection of fragments from our story — as spouses and wandering artists, deeply in love with life — may come to sit across from you as a welcome companion on your journey,” Lucia writes in the book’s introduction.
For Luca Moretti and Lucia Oliva, the journey continues, but Oman remains one of its defining chapters.
