The Stirling Players, based at the charming Stirling Community Theatre, round out their 2023 season with Dario Fo’s 1970 play Accidental Death of an Anarchist. It is a political satire wrapped up in comedic form, containing themes of power, corruption, repression, truth vs illusion, class, and the conflict between reformers and revolutionaries.
Set in Milan, Italy, Accidental Death of an Anarchist was written to raise awareness of the attempted police cover-up of the recent death of a young left-wing anarchist. Milan Police have given unacceptable versions of the facts behind the notorious death of an anarchist accused of recent bombings in Milan and Rome. According to police evidence, while under interrogation, the young man ‘accidentally’ fell from a 4th floor window at police headquarters. While awaiting a judge’s arrival at police headquarters to ask questions about their previous evidence on this, police are interrogating a ‘maniac’ who has been arrested for impersonation. Far more quick-witted than the police, the maniac impersonates the expected judge…and truth erupts amongst the hilarious chaos.
The Stirling Players’ Accidental Death of an Anarchist is directed by award-winning director, Lesley Reed. Speaking to Glam Adelaide, Reed said:
“I enjoy a challenge. With its many layers relating to a true and tragic event in history, plus the slapstick, and a slight spice of the ancient Italian comedic form Commedia dell’Arte, I knew it would be a challenging project. In addition, it is a play with themes that remain relevant whenever produced – even now, more than fifty years since its first performance.
“Fake news is actually not a modern concept, though in 1970, when the play was first produced, this deceptive information was described by a different term: propaganda. Most people abhor institutional proliferation of lies and this play shows up such lies. In particular, despite the farce and hilarity of the storyline, the themes highlight the importance of ordinary people speaking out about abuse of power.
“I also wanted to set the play in its original setting of Milan, Italy. This means we use Italian accents, and, luckily, we have two Italians in the cast, one of whom teaches the language.”
Featuring Danii Zappia as the Maniac, Georgia Stockham as Superintendent, Olivia Jane Parker as Bertozzo, Anita Zamberlan Canala as Pissani, Ashleigh Merriel as Constables and Kyla Booth as Feletti.
“I have always wanted to direct this play with an entirely female cast, even as the male police. This is for two reasons: it adds to the absurd humour, but also it’s an additional commentary on power. It is generally accepted that men have more power in the workplace, for example, and women playing buffoons who use that power is to me an interesting twist. The cast love the moustaches and comb-overs!”
Accidental Death of an Anarchist will be playing at The Stirling Community Theatre for a strictly limited season.
“Although the play originated out of a shocking tragedy, that of the death in 1969 of the young anarchist Giuseppe Pinelli, the show is very funny. I hope audiences will split their sides laughing, but also take plenty away to think about, because the sort of abuse of power portrayed in the play is still happening.”
The Stirling Players presents Accidental Death of an Anarchist.
Friday 8th to Saturday 23rd September
To book, visit www.stirlingplayers.sct.org.au or phone 0488 746 951.
Photo credit: Brian Donaghy
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