Accidental Death of an Anarchist (2009)

Poster by Mark Davies

by Dario Fo, Translated by Simon Nye

Directed by Mark Davies

Performances: Tue 17th - Sat 21st March 2009, Prompt Corner

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. Bonkers, impersonates other people compulsively, clown-like character.

Bertozzo (M) – Him and the Maniac know each other. Easily frustrated and flustered.

Inspector (M) – Short tempered but gets given the run-around all too easily.

Superintendent (M) – The inspectors' superior, but otherwise similar to the Inspector.

Journalist (F) – Flirtatious and sexually confident, uses this trait to get info out of the officers. The only sanity in the room.

Constable (M) – Around on stage for most of the time, few lines but plenty to do as he's on stage for much of the time. 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

• Maniac - Actor
• Bertozzo - Actor
• Inspector - Actor
• Superintendent - Actor
• Journalist - Actor
• Constable - Actor

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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