Accidental Death of an Anarchist (2009)
by Dario Fo, Translated by Simon Nye
Directed by Mark Davies
Performances: Tue 17th - Sat 21st March 2009, Prompt Corner
Contents
Introduction
This is perhaps Italian playwright Dario Fo’s best known play, first performed in 1970. Written in response to the death of a police suspect who supposedly fell out of a police station window, it is a farce satirising corruption within the police and government. Right wing politics was, and still is, a strong force in Italy, and the play also aims to expose the underhand methods the police used to infiltrate left wing groups by posing as other people. Whilst not a policeman himself , the main character's histrionic nature is a reflection on what the police did through impersonation and trickery. Having infiltrated a police headquarters, he poses as a judge and tricks the policemen into admitting that they are involved in a cover-up. Simon Nye (of Men Behaving Badly fame) provides this translation which moves along at break-neck speed, an onslaught of farce which gets ever more far-fetched as the story unfolds.
There are no specific age restrictions to the characters. The fast-moving nature of the play means that the cast will be sweating buckets, so some physical dexterity is desirable.
Maniac (M) – the main character, on stage throughout. Apparantly mad, and well-practised at impersonating other people (which he does).
Bertozzo (M) – the first detective we see. At first tries to find something to charge the Maniac but gives up. Later on he tries and fails again.
Inspector (M) – Clearly trying to cover up what really happened. Always on the defensive against the Maniac's questioning and ends up being tricked into impersonating himself.
Superintendent (M) – Similar to the Inspector.
Journalist (F) – Flirtatious and sexually confident. Somewhat typical of a journalist, thorough and detailed in her questioning.
Constable (M) – Around on stage for most of the time and speaks occasionally. He follows orders instantly and without hesistation.
Audition pieces are available online: http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=dcpz57kj_44fjcfgkft, and in the bar.
This version of Accidental Death of an Anarchist premiered at the Donmar Warehouse, London in February 2003.
Cast (in alphabetical order)
Crew
- Stage managed by Lauri Morgan
- Set designed by Dave Hollander
- Costumes arranged by Kristy Davis
- Stunt co-ordinated by Anton Krause
- Lighting Designed and operated by [[]]
- Properties from [[]]
- Thanks to [[]].
Reviews
Some review quotes go here
Gallery
Production photos by [[]] - click on thumbnails for larger images
Reminiscences and Anecdotes
This production is 25 years since the previous one.
See Also
Other Dario Fo play productions by us.
- Accidental Death Of An Anarchist (1984) (Bell Theatre)
- Trumpets And Raspberries (1990) (Bell Theatre)
- Elizabeth - Almost by Chance a Woman (2006) (Bell Theatre)
References
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