Calderón – by Fabio Condemi

The play

Calderón is perhaps the most complex step in Pier Paolo Pasolini’s voyage as a playwright. A multi-layered text in which the narratives continuously merge, expand and reconnect, enriching a turbulent imaginative universe. The writing and the imagery of Calderón de la Barca encounter those of Bertolt Brecht, highly influenced by Roland Barthes’ insight; at the same time, the pro-Franco Spain from the 60’s and the student revolution movements provide a fundamental ground for a controversial interpretation of recent History and its heritage, while Velazquez’s painting and technique acts as an overhead visual reference that guides the staging.

In prologue of “Calderón”, Pasolini sheds a new light on the concept of representation and the relationship between theatre and spectators, moving against «those responsible of the incoming new era […] who, with their awareness of the present and of the possibilities of the future, assume the experiences from last year as decrepit: and let’s not even talk about the language they use! ». Platonic dialogues function as a dramaturgical source, alongside Freudian psychoanalysis and theological studies on body, while dreamlike world is seen, at the same time, as a prison and as utopia.

This intricate semiotic labyrinth, where signs and signification coexist, opens a narrow passage that crosses the ingenious language of Pasolini’s text and train of thoughts. The spectators are called to question themselves deeply about their being part of a controversial History, together with their physical presence, with their labour, with their responsibility, with their dreams.

Premiere: Teatro Arena del Sole, novembre 22

Biography

Artist in residence at ERT / Teatro Nazionale, Fabio Condemi is one of the most appreciated among the
young generation of Italian stage directors and was awarded the prestigious Ubu Prize 2021 for best
director with “The philosophy of the boudoir” by Marquise de Sade.

Credits

By Pier Paolo Pasolini
Direction, costume and set design Fabio Condemi
With (in a.o.) Valentina Banci, Matilde Bernardi, Marco Cavalcoli, Michele Di Mauro, Carolina Ellero, Nico Guerzoni, Caterina Meschini, Elena Rivoltini, Giulia Salvarani, Emanuele Valenti
Set, visual drammaturgy Fabio Cherstich
Costumes Gianluca Sbicca
Light design Marco Giusti
Sound design Alberto Tranchida
Director’s assistant Angelica Azzellini

Production Emilia Romagna Teatro ERT / Teatro Nazionale, LAC Lugano Arte e Cultura
in collaboration with Associazione Santacristina Centro Teatrale

The show is created within “Prospero Extended Theatre” International Project, thanks to the support of Creative Europe EU program.

In the frame of the project “How you should imagine me” dedicated to Pier Paolo Pasolini