Discovering Pasolini – Teatro della Pergola
By Elyse Shaffer (Kent State University)
It only seems fitting that such a significant figure is being represented at a theater as historic as this in the center of Florence. Discovering Pasolini is a piece playing at the renowned Pergola Theater. This project is based on the life and talents of Pier Paolo Pasolini, a popular and important writer, poet, journalist, playwright, screenwriter, director, actor and Italian editor. He also eventually became an educator, spreading his teachings even further. He was known as having given a “voice” to the post World War II generation. Pasolini is still considered one of the greatest Italian artists and geniuses of the twentieth century.
This man was quite a controversial artist. The choices he made and the opinions he expressed throughout his career often stirred up attention and caused heated debates between his followers and others. Pasolini used his words, poetry, and art to convey his values and opinions about the world and society surrounding him. Starting with Porcile in 1969, his films became increasingly controversial. One of his films, set in the last years of World War II in Italy that linked fascism and sadism, was banned almost everywhere because of its content. Pasolini started his career with many works of poetry, which were often published. He wrote dozens of scripts and even worked as an actor in the 1950’s. Soon after that, he made his debut as a director with his film, Accattone, which is a re-working of his own novel, A Violent Life. Although they caused debate, Pasolini’s works were published and appreciated by many. He even contributed to the famous Milanese paper, the Corriere della Sera.
The talented and cultured La MaMa Umbria International Centre Italian Theatre in New York City is responsible for the art direction of Discovering Pasolini. Ellen Stewart founded this company in 1961. She dedicated La MaMa to the playwright, as well as all aspects of the theater. This artistic foundation is dedicated to the artist, and his or her opinions and ideas. Exploring the artist’s ideas and translating them into performance is a strong component of La MaMa. It is said that groundbreaking work happens within La MaMa because of the freedom and liberty the artists are given when creating their works of art. Having such strong motivation for expression and artistic liberty makes La MaMa the perfect company to create Discovering Pasolini - certainly the most respectful way to depict such a historical and controversial man is through nontraditional means. The project is even followed up with workshops, meetings, and conferences about the theater La MaMa and Pasolini.
Discovering Pasolini is playing at the Teatro della Pergola the 28th through the 30th of October at 10:30 and 12:30 in the evening on Friday and Saturday and at 4:30 on Sunday. The address of the theater is Via della Pergola, 18, Florence. Tickets can be purchased on the Teatro della Pergola website for 22 euros. http://www.fondazioneteatrodellapergola.it/
