Accidental Death of an Anarchist
Meteor Theatre, 1 Victoria Street, Hamilton
19/10/2012 - 03/11/2012
Production Details
Did he jump? Or was he pushed?
Written by Italian satirist and Nobel Laureate Dario Fo, the play asks all the important questions about the fishy circumstances surrounding an anarchist’s ‘accidental’ fall from a police building window. Accidental Death of an Anarchist delves into the depths of corruption and pokes fun at bureaucracy gone mad, so prepare yourself for a non-stop, frantic, fantastical, farcical ride into controversy and confusion. Based on the true story of an Italian case of an anarchist who ‘fell’ from the window of a police building following interrogation in 1969.
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Iguana and Fullhouse Productions have teamed together to offer you a great night out; book a ticket to go see Accidental Death of an Anarchist and you can enjoy a sumptuous 3 course meal for only $39. Make a booking at Iguana ((07) 834 2280) for the night of your show and enjoy a delicious 3 course meal for only $39.
19 Oct – 3rd Nov, The Meteor, cnr Victoria and Bridge St, Hamilton
Book your ticket at www.ticketek.co.nz
Cast:
The Maniac: Matthew Powell
Bertozzo: David Bowers-Mason
Pissani: Andrew Kaye
Superintendent: Julia Watkins
Constable: Antony-Paul Aiono
Crew:
Director: Henry Ashby
Producer: Amanda Wallace
Lighting Design: Nick Sturgess-Monks
Set Design: Andrew Kaye and Matthew Powell
Stage-Manager: Katie Edwards
Costumes: Robyn Winder
Dramaturg: Mark Houlahan
Props: Amanda Wallace and Katie Edwards
Rollicking farce played at a rampaging pace
Review by Brenda Rae Kidd 20th Oct 2012
Written by Italian satirist and Nobel Laureate, Dario Fo, Accidental Death of an Anarchist is based on a real life event. Milan Police Headquarters 1969: anarchist/ activist Giuseppe Pinelli falls from a fourth floor window to his death after been interrogated by police.
Pinelli allegedly jumped. Or was he pushed?
Accidental Death of an Anarchist is Fo’s interpretation of this event and life in Italy, post fascism. His bemusement at the inherent corruption and social injustices that prevailed provides the mayhem behind the humour.
Tonight is the opening performance of Accidental Death of an Anarchist, brought to the Meteor by Fullhouse Theatre Productions. And what a rollicking, bumbling farce it is too. In a good way, that is.
The set is impressive considering it’s essentially a blank canvas of butchers wrap. It provides the perfect backdrop for the colourful shambolic array of characters involved.
The play opens in the office of police officer Bertozzo (David Bower-Mason), on the first floor of the Milan Police Headquarters. Bertozzo and his police superiors are nervous about an impending investigation into the ‘accidental death’ of Pinelli.
Enter the Maniac, a man as colourful as the suit he wears. Although a madman, the Maniac is not without cunning. Hats off to Matthew Charles Powell, not only for his unhinged portrayal of – well – the unhinged, but also for his stamina in remaining onstage for two hours plus. He makes an exemplary Maniac.
Antony-Paul Aiono is genius as the hapless Constable, not for what he says but what he does not. Comedy is all about timing; Aiono has movement and gesture down pat, and has the audience in such fits of laughter there are tears. Aiono holds us all in rapture.
Andrew Kaye as Inspector Pissani and Julia Watkins as the Superintendent are superb. Their collective experience shows a maturity in understanding the role of support actors, allowing younger cast members to shine.
The Superintendent, traditionally a male role, is played with aplomb by Watkins. Kaye, who plays Inspector Pissani, was initially the director before handing the stewardship over to young actor, Henry Ashby.
Ashby does a good job. The stellar cast maintain a rampaging pace while keeping the audience abreast of the plot, which at times can be confusing. A little background research beforehand,on Dario Fo and the history surrounding the play, should allay such confusion.
Good job Fullhouse Productions.
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