THE ARTS

Spoleto Lineup: The 36th Spoleto festival will go forth in its Umbrian home this summer despite local political turmoil and uncertainty for Italian cultural institutions. American Steven Mercurio, 36, principal conductor at the Philadelphia opera and an assistant at the Metropolitan Opera of New York, takes over as music director for the June 29-July 18 Festival of Two Worlds, presenting Puccini’s “Il Trittico,” Berlioz’s massive “Requiem,” Stravinsky’s “The Rake’s Progress,” Rachmaninoff’s “Vespri” for chorus and daily noon-time instrumental concerts by young performers. The festival’s drama entries include an Italian translation of Tennessee Williams’ “A Streetcar Named Desire,” Oscar Wilde’s “Salome” and the premiere of “Affective Memories” by actor and writer John Crowther. Dance offerings include the Garth Fagen company, Poland’s Teatr Ekspresji company, the Berlin Opera ballet and Spain’s Victor Ullate company. The program also includes art shows, readings and films.