Dario Fo biography
Dario Fo born on the 24th of March 1926 (age 87) he is an Italian actor-playwright, comedian, singer, theatre director, stage designer, songwriter and political campaigner.much of his dramatic work depends on improvisation and comprises the recovery of "illegitimate" forms of theatre, such as the ancient Italian style of the ancient Italian style of commedia dell'arte.
His plays have been translated into 30 languages and performed across the world. His work of the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s is peppered with criticisms of assassinations, corruption, organised crime, racism, Roman Catholic theology and war. His receipt of the 1997 Nobel Prize in Literature marked the "international acknowledgment of Fo as a major figure in twentieth-century world theatre. Among the places in which Fo lived during his early years was Porto Valtravaglia, a glassblowing colony in which, it has been claimed, resided the highest percentage of insane people in Italy.
In 1940, Fo moved to Milan to study at the Brera Academy. However, the Second World War intervened. Fo joined the fascist army of Mussolini's Repubblica Sociale Italiana. Years later, Fo supported this moot thesis: his family was active in the anti-fascist Resistance; Fo helped his father to smuggle refugees and Allied soldiers to Switzerland by disguising them as Lombard peasants
In 1950, Fo asked to work with Franco Parenti on a variety show performed by radio actors, beginning a collaboration that would last until 1954. Fo delighted audiences with stories of his upbringing that Parenti was very impressed by, describing them as "absolutely original, with an extraordinary humour, wit and personification. Fo met Franca Rame, daughter of a theatrical family, when they were working in the revue Sette giorni a Milano. They became engaged, and he married her on 24 June 1954. They had a son, Jacopo (born 31 March 1955), who would also become a writer
Accidental Death of an Anarchist, Fo's most internationally recognised play, described by the playwright as "a grotesque farce about a tragic farce". It opened in December 1970, Fo having written it after right-wing extremists and the Italian Secret Service carried out a "terrorist" attack on the Banca Nazionale dell'Agricoltura in Piazza Fontana in Milan in 1969.
In March 1973, fascists commissioned by high-ranking officials in Milan's Carabinieri (Italian federal police) abducted Rame, held her at gunpoint and dumped her in a van. They raped her, beat her, burnt her with cigarettes, slashed her with razor blades and left her in a park. A split in La Comune reduced their ranks; nevertheless, Fo and Rame continued to tour around Lombardy and Veneto throughout that year.
Throughout the 21st century, Fo has remained an active participant and campaigner on various political, social and cultural issues.
His plays have been translated into 30 languages and performed across the world. His work of the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s is peppered with criticisms of assassinations, corruption, organised crime, racism, Roman Catholic theology and war. His receipt of the 1997 Nobel Prize in Literature marked the "international acknowledgment of Fo as a major figure in twentieth-century world theatre. Among the places in which Fo lived during his early years was Porto Valtravaglia, a glassblowing colony in which, it has been claimed, resided the highest percentage of insane people in Italy.
In 1940, Fo moved to Milan to study at the Brera Academy. However, the Second World War intervened. Fo joined the fascist army of Mussolini's Repubblica Sociale Italiana. Years later, Fo supported this moot thesis: his family was active in the anti-fascist Resistance; Fo helped his father to smuggle refugees and Allied soldiers to Switzerland by disguising them as Lombard peasants
In 1950, Fo asked to work with Franco Parenti on a variety show performed by radio actors, beginning a collaboration that would last until 1954. Fo delighted audiences with stories of his upbringing that Parenti was very impressed by, describing them as "absolutely original, with an extraordinary humour, wit and personification. Fo met Franca Rame, daughter of a theatrical family, when they were working in the revue Sette giorni a Milano. They became engaged, and he married her on 24 June 1954. They had a son, Jacopo (born 31 March 1955), who would also become a writer
Accidental Death of an Anarchist, Fo's most internationally recognised play, described by the playwright as "a grotesque farce about a tragic farce". It opened in December 1970, Fo having written it after right-wing extremists and the Italian Secret Service carried out a "terrorist" attack on the Banca Nazionale dell'Agricoltura in Piazza Fontana in Milan in 1969.
In March 1973, fascists commissioned by high-ranking officials in Milan's Carabinieri (Italian federal police) abducted Rame, held her at gunpoint and dumped her in a van. They raped her, beat her, burnt her with cigarettes, slashed her with razor blades and left her in a park. A split in La Comune reduced their ranks; nevertheless, Fo and Rame continued to tour around Lombardy and Veneto throughout that year.
Throughout the 21st century, Fo has remained an active participant and campaigner on various political, social and cultural issues.
Giuseppe Pinelli
Giuseppe Pinelli (21 October 1928 – 15 December 1969) was an Italian railway worker and anarchist activist, who died in the custody of Italian police in 1969 after being arrested. Pinelli was a member of the Milan Circle "Ponte della Ghisolfa". He was also the secretary of the Italian branch of the Anarchist Black Cross. His death, believed by many to be at the hands of the police, is the inspiration for Dario Fo's play Accidental Death of an Anarchist.
Pinelli was born into a working-class family. He worked as an errand boy and then a warehouse worker, but he still found time to read and become active with a Milan-area anarchist group in 1944
On 12 December 1969 a bomb went off at the Piazza Fontana in Milan that killed 17 people and injured 88.Pinelli was picked up, along with other anarchists, for questioning regarding the attack.He was held and interrogated for three days, longer than Italian law specified that people could be held without seeing a judge. Just before midnight on 15 December 1969 Pinelli was seen to fall to his death from a fourth floor window of the Milan police station. Three police officers interrogating Pinelli, including Commissioner, were put under investigation in 1971 for his death, but legal proceedings concluded it was due to accidental causes
Pinelli was born into a working-class family. He worked as an errand boy and then a warehouse worker, but he still found time to read and become active with a Milan-area anarchist group in 1944
On 12 December 1969 a bomb went off at the Piazza Fontana in Milan that killed 17 people and injured 88.Pinelli was picked up, along with other anarchists, for questioning regarding the attack.He was held and interrogated for three days, longer than Italian law specified that people could be held without seeing a judge. Just before midnight on 15 December 1969 Pinelli was seen to fall to his death from a fourth floor window of the Milan police station. Three police officers interrogating Pinelli, including Commissioner, were put under investigation in 1971 for his death, but legal proceedings concluded it was due to accidental causes
'Accidental Death of an Anarchist'
Act one, scene 1
The play starts in an ordinary office. Inspector Bertozzo explains to the audience that several weeks before an anarchist fell out of the window a few floors above while he was interrogated by the police about a bomb attack in a bank in Milan. His death caused public outrage although the police claimed it was 'suicide'. Inspector Bertozzo is in the middle of an interrogation dealing with the Manic who is been in for impersonation during this time we find out more about characteristics of the Maniac, such as his love to impersonate a judge. This can be seen as a element of satire as the fact that the Maniac is so used to impersonating people shows how corrupt the police are as they aren't doing anything about it and it also shows how easy it is to fool the police. He was arrested many times before for impersonation but he has never been convicted, because he suffers from a 'histrionic mania'.
In the following interrogation, that shows Manic's intelligence, he confuses Bertozzo and the Constable. which is an element of farce as he has no actual power or status but is able to fool the 'intelligent' police men. Then he is told to leave by Bertozzo . After he does Bertozzo and Constable leave as well. Manic re-enters and as he finds himself alone he starts to throw files about little criminals out of the window nut leaves the 'Big fish' files. This can be seen as satire as it shows that the police don't do anything about the 'small fish' which highlights that there is no justice in crime or offence law. Then another police inspector, calls from the fourth floor. The Maniac's words make it clear that the audience is to recall the inspector who conducted the interview with the (real) anarchist who fell or was pushed from a fourth-floor window, he wishes to discuss the case with Bertozzo but the manic tells him he is to take over and he then decides to impersonate a judge as he wished to do so at the start of the play.
In the following interrogation, that shows Manic's intelligence, he confuses Bertozzo and the Constable. which is an element of farce as he has no actual power or status but is able to fool the 'intelligent' police men. Then he is told to leave by Bertozzo . After he does Bertozzo and Constable leave as well. Manic re-enters and as he finds himself alone he starts to throw files about little criminals out of the window nut leaves the 'Big fish' files. This can be seen as satire as it shows that the police don't do anything about the 'small fish' which highlights that there is no justice in crime or offence law. Then another police inspector, calls from the fourth floor. The Maniac's words make it clear that the audience is to recall the inspector who conducted the interview with the (real) anarchist who fell or was pushed from a fourth-floor window, he wishes to discuss the case with Bertozzo but the manic tells him he is to take over and he then decides to impersonate a judge as he wished to do so at the start of the play.
Act 1 Scene 2
Scene begins with the maniac as the judge, he is in a room with Inspector Pisanni and the constable. Then the Maniac, still acting as a judge, asks for the Superintendent to be called into the room. The Superintendent arrives, angry at the peremptory way in which he was summoned. He arrives holding a 'black jack' implying he was beating someone up. This gives us the impression that the superintendent was a fascist this confirmed when the manic says he has seen him once before and they both communicate with a Nazi salute. This is also an element of satire as we understand that there is corruption within the police, as Fascist believe in violence to solve cases.
Once all the men realise who the manic is they discuss the case of the anarchist. The manic goes over the transcript with the Superintendent and inspector. He begins explaining the events that took place immediately before the anarchist's death, saying that while their line of interrogation and methods might have caused the anarchist's raptus, these methods had not been unreasonable. As the Maniac continues questioning the men, they begin to contradict themselves on many details, such as the precise time of the anarchist's raptus. The Maniac is finally able to declare that the men lied and they are the cause of the anarchists death. The act ends with the two policemen completely perplexed, singing an anarchist song in concert with the Maniac, which is a form of Farce.
Once all the men realise who the manic is they discuss the case of the anarchist. The manic goes over the transcript with the Superintendent and inspector. He begins explaining the events that took place immediately before the anarchist's death, saying that while their line of interrogation and methods might have caused the anarchist's raptus, these methods had not been unreasonable. As the Maniac continues questioning the men, they begin to contradict themselves on many details, such as the precise time of the anarchist's raptus. The Maniac is finally able to declare that the men lied and they are the cause of the anarchists death. The act ends with the two policemen completely perplexed, singing an anarchist song in concert with the Maniac, which is a form of Farce.
Act 2, Scene 1
This act begins at the moment when the previous act ended—with the Maniac, inspector Pissani and the superintendent coming to the conclusion of their song. The Maniac congratulates inspector Pissani and the superintendent for coming up with a story that will answer any and all lingering questions about the Anarchist's death.
The journalist comes in and is introduced to the superintendent, inspector Pissani and the Constable. The Maniac, for his part, has disguised himself with a false mustache, a patch over his eye (which he says conceals a glass eye), and a glove (which he says conceals a wooden hand). The journalist hurries along with her questions, saying her article has to be ready in time for the late edition of her paper. She first asks the superintendent why he's been nicknamed "The Window Straddler" by other anarchists who have been interrogated by him and who say he makes them sit on the window ledge with their legs hanging out while bullying them into considering suicide. She also presents evidence that the dead Anarchist was dropped out the window and didn't jump, and that a phone call for an ambulance was made several minutes before the Anarchist's death.
Bertozzo is greeted by the superintendent, explaining that he's bringing in a copy of the bomb that exploded at the bank in Milan. Bertozzo imagines that he finds the Maniac (still in his disguise) familiar, and protests when he (the Maniac) is introduced as the forensics expert from Rome, saying he knows the real expert. The superintendent and Pissani insistently and physically attempt to persuade him to go along with the charade, reminding him if the truth gets out of what happened to the Anarchist all their jobs will be lost.
Meanwhile, the journalist attempts to get Bertozzo to answer the question of why another un-detonated bomb, also found in the debris of the robbed bank, was taken away and detonated somewhere else rather than preserved for analysis.
Bertozzo handcuff the policemen to the window so he can tell them who the Maniac is. Once the truth about the Maniac is revealed and his disguise as the Judge is destroyed he goes on to talk about the society and the corruption of the police, and he also reveals that he has recorded the whole confession of how the anarchist had really died. and gives the keys to the journalist who is that bewildered on what she must do.
The story ends in two ways.
First way with bomb seconds to detonate and the Police men all handcuffed to the wall and the journalist has the power to decide weather to save them of leave them and she chooses to leave the building.
Second ending is when the journalist does chose to save them but the police men handcuff her instead as they realise the Maniac has told her the truth about the death of the anarchist.
The journalist comes in and is introduced to the superintendent, inspector Pissani and the Constable. The Maniac, for his part, has disguised himself with a false mustache, a patch over his eye (which he says conceals a glass eye), and a glove (which he says conceals a wooden hand). The journalist hurries along with her questions, saying her article has to be ready in time for the late edition of her paper. She first asks the superintendent why he's been nicknamed "The Window Straddler" by other anarchists who have been interrogated by him and who say he makes them sit on the window ledge with their legs hanging out while bullying them into considering suicide. She also presents evidence that the dead Anarchist was dropped out the window and didn't jump, and that a phone call for an ambulance was made several minutes before the Anarchist's death.
Bertozzo is greeted by the superintendent, explaining that he's bringing in a copy of the bomb that exploded at the bank in Milan. Bertozzo imagines that he finds the Maniac (still in his disguise) familiar, and protests when he (the Maniac) is introduced as the forensics expert from Rome, saying he knows the real expert. The superintendent and Pissani insistently and physically attempt to persuade him to go along with the charade, reminding him if the truth gets out of what happened to the Anarchist all their jobs will be lost.
Meanwhile, the journalist attempts to get Bertozzo to answer the question of why another un-detonated bomb, also found in the debris of the robbed bank, was taken away and detonated somewhere else rather than preserved for analysis.
Bertozzo handcuff the policemen to the window so he can tell them who the Maniac is. Once the truth about the Maniac is revealed and his disguise as the Judge is destroyed he goes on to talk about the society and the corruption of the police, and he also reveals that he has recorded the whole confession of how the anarchist had really died. and gives the keys to the journalist who is that bewildered on what she must do.
The story ends in two ways.
First way with bomb seconds to detonate and the Police men all handcuffed to the wall and the journalist has the power to decide weather to save them of leave them and she chooses to leave the building.
Second ending is when the journalist does chose to save them but the police men handcuff her instead as they realise the Maniac has told her the truth about the death of the anarchist.
The Farce of Dario Fo - Essay Practice
In this play ‘Accidental Death of An Anarchist’ Dario Fo uses his play to portray some of his concerns and issues he has with police, society and institutions. One major theme throughout this play which shows his concerns is through power, authority and responsibility This occurs when a person with a higher status uses the role in a negative way. Fo shows how characters such as the Maniac and the superintendent who are from the police force are able to abuse their power and authority and do what they want.
The superintendent represents the police force as if he is in charge. When the superintendent is called by the Maniac who is impersonating the judge and by Inspector Pissani to discuss the transcript he arrives “fuming…..sleeves rolled up and carrying a rubber blackjack.’ This quote from Act one, scene two implies that the Superintendent was harshly interrogating and torturing someone. This shows how he is misusing his power to abuse someone. We also are aware the superintendent is a fascist as he shares a Nazi dance with the Maniac “…… sing a few bars of the fascist youth song and do a few salutes” this shows that he believes in dictatorship and violence which also empathizes the corruption in the police force.
The Maniac is very intelligent as he changes his disguise to a judge he uses his new found power as a 'judge' to control the authoritative figures and make them out to be foolish and weak which is ironic as before the Maniac in scene one was treated without respect and as he is impersonating a judge he has gained power and authority, this shows how class and people with status had more respect which implies how prejudice the society was. For example: In Act One, Scene Two, the superintendent didn't realise that he was actually talking to the 'judge' but once he found out who he is his tone and voice completely changed ".... we were expecting you your honor " This quote shows how people were treated differently due to the authority and also shows how corrupt the police really are as they are so oblivious to the fact they cant recognise the Judge and to the issues around them.
The Maniac constantly changes his character in the play, representing the deception and disguise of the police force and emphasizing how ridiculous those in power are. In Act One, Scene Two, the Maniac says, “I’m not pushing. You've been seized by a raptus." This is a great comic line and adds to the comedy, the irony in the remark shows how absurd the police's statements are.
The use of satire and farce is very important throughout the whole play. Act One Scene One is significant because it sets the scene of the death of the anarchist, and introduces to the audience what had happened. As the play begins we already introduced the farce for example when the Maniac begins acting like a dog, sniffing at the floor. He also uses physical comedy when he slaps and kicks the police officers. This is an unexpected thing for the audience to see and so it adds to the humour, and creates a light-hearted atmosphere.
Fo also uses satire to reveal real life situations he achieves this through his characters to present his view of the truth i.e. the Italian police and the corrupt nature of society. This is shown when the Maniac ridicules the police by burning and throwing out documents, mocking the way the police destroy evidence. By using satire, Fo creates a humorous atmosphere, while showing the audience that political issues aren't being dealt with properly and that they are taking their responsibility seriously.
In summing up, Dario Fo uses political themes and performance techniques to both entertain and inform his audience. By incorporating 'laughter as a political weapon' Fo is able to successfully educate his audience about the political issues that can still be related to society today.
The superintendent represents the police force as if he is in charge. When the superintendent is called by the Maniac who is impersonating the judge and by Inspector Pissani to discuss the transcript he arrives “fuming…..sleeves rolled up and carrying a rubber blackjack.’ This quote from Act one, scene two implies that the Superintendent was harshly interrogating and torturing someone. This shows how he is misusing his power to abuse someone. We also are aware the superintendent is a fascist as he shares a Nazi dance with the Maniac “…… sing a few bars of the fascist youth song and do a few salutes” this shows that he believes in dictatorship and violence which also empathizes the corruption in the police force.
The Maniac is very intelligent as he changes his disguise to a judge he uses his new found power as a 'judge' to control the authoritative figures and make them out to be foolish and weak which is ironic as before the Maniac in scene one was treated without respect and as he is impersonating a judge he has gained power and authority, this shows how class and people with status had more respect which implies how prejudice the society was. For example: In Act One, Scene Two, the superintendent didn't realise that he was actually talking to the 'judge' but once he found out who he is his tone and voice completely changed ".... we were expecting you your honor " This quote shows how people were treated differently due to the authority and also shows how corrupt the police really are as they are so oblivious to the fact they cant recognise the Judge and to the issues around them.
The Maniac constantly changes his character in the play, representing the deception and disguise of the police force and emphasizing how ridiculous those in power are. In Act One, Scene Two, the Maniac says, “I’m not pushing. You've been seized by a raptus." This is a great comic line and adds to the comedy, the irony in the remark shows how absurd the police's statements are.
The use of satire and farce is very important throughout the whole play. Act One Scene One is significant because it sets the scene of the death of the anarchist, and introduces to the audience what had happened. As the play begins we already introduced the farce for example when the Maniac begins acting like a dog, sniffing at the floor. He also uses physical comedy when he slaps and kicks the police officers. This is an unexpected thing for the audience to see and so it adds to the humour, and creates a light-hearted atmosphere.
Fo also uses satire to reveal real life situations he achieves this through his characters to present his view of the truth i.e. the Italian police and the corrupt nature of society. This is shown when the Maniac ridicules the police by burning and throwing out documents, mocking the way the police destroy evidence. By using satire, Fo creates a humorous atmosphere, while showing the audience that political issues aren't being dealt with properly and that they are taking their responsibility seriously.
In summing up, Dario Fo uses political themes and performance techniques to both entertain and inform his audience. By incorporating 'laughter as a political weapon' Fo is able to successfully educate his audience about the political issues that can still be related to society today.
'Accidental Death of an Anarchist'- Full Play
Whats different when watching the youtube version?
When watching the Farce by Dario Fo I thought it was much more interesting and I could easily recognize the main theme throughout the play and what the main plot was about.
I think when reading the play it is harder to figure out in what way lines are meant to be projected to the audience. Visually seeing the acts take place made it easier to recognise what elements represented farce and satire which helped me to understand the message of Dario Fo through the Maniac’s bizarre actions and words. For example when the Maniac is talking about why he wants to become a judge i didn't quite understand what he meant but once the the Manic had acted out this scene it was clear on what Dario Fo wanted to represent about the justice system and how a Judge has the power to change a persons life.
Also stage directions was also a key element to why watching the play was much more entertaining, as you could visually see the characters expressions that helped to create the atmosphere and was also great as it helped to understand the meanings of words said by characters.
Also Tone of voice was a key element aswell as it helped to create a scene and showed how the lines are actually meant to be delivered.
I think when reading the play it is harder to figure out in what way lines are meant to be projected to the audience. Visually seeing the acts take place made it easier to recognise what elements represented farce and satire which helped me to understand the message of Dario Fo through the Maniac’s bizarre actions and words. For example when the Maniac is talking about why he wants to become a judge i didn't quite understand what he meant but once the the Manic had acted out this scene it was clear on what Dario Fo wanted to represent about the justice system and how a Judge has the power to change a persons life.
Also stage directions was also a key element to why watching the play was much more entertaining, as you could visually see the characters expressions that helped to create the atmosphere and was also great as it helped to understand the meanings of words said by characters.
Also Tone of voice was a key element aswell as it helped to create a scene and showed how the lines are actually meant to be delivered.
Dario Fo play comparison - Gavin Richards VS My Fair Heathen Production's
In the opening scene of both adaptations of ‘An accidental death of an anarchist’ we are firstly introduced to ‘An ordinary office in Central police HQ’ in the original play adapted by Gavin Richards I feel as if the office was a much more realistic scene. The Mise-en-scene overall really helped to create a much tenser and demanding atmosphere. The whole room had a good sense of what a police station should actually looks like which made the scene much more believable and realistic. However when watching the 2nd play by ‘My Fair Heathen Production's’ I feel that they didn't really create a believable scene. The police station was much plainer and the lighting was very dim portraying the police office calmer and less action packed which created a very light hearted atmosphere that didn't match what a busy office should look like. However although the Mise-en-scene didn't really match in the I also think that they deliberately portrayed the office like that to imply how lazy and laid back the officers are in the police force highlighting FO’s overall message about the corruption within the police force.
The actors who played each character in the original play were much more believable than ‘My Fair Heathen Production's’ as they had a greater stage presence. In my opinion I think the actors in the Second play exaggerated too much on the costumes and props which made the play unrealistic however in the original play the characters took much more advantage of their surrounding props and used props already in the setting making the scene much more plausible. Also I feel as if the actors were much more energetic which was seen through their voice as it projected throughout the play making the play more pleasing to watch as I stayed in focus much more. They also took advantage of the whole setting not just sticking into one space. For example the opening scene in the original play when are introduced to Inspector Bertozzo he connects immediately with the audience delivering his first long speech which was entertain through his tone which helped to interact with the audience.
In the original play the actors delivered the lines very well and even took advantage of the script adding in their own elements as they went along not following the script completely. This was much better than the second play as they didn’t really grab my attention well as they didn't deliver the lines at their best making it less convincing. The script in the original play was delivered very well which created a good rhythm throughout the play they also nailed the stage directions making the play visually interesting to watch, this also helped to understand the farcical and satirical events much more when been acted out, this helped me understand the overall message about police corruption much more as I could understand the dialogue more.
To conclude I preferred the adaptation by Gavin Richards play much more than the play by ‘My Fair Heathen Production's’ as the actors interacted with the audience and had good on stage chemistry with one another they also took advantage of the script following the stage directions perfectly throughout the whole play making the whole play convincing and pleasing to watch.
The actors who played each character in the original play were much more believable than ‘My Fair Heathen Production's’ as they had a greater stage presence. In my opinion I think the actors in the Second play exaggerated too much on the costumes and props which made the play unrealistic however in the original play the characters took much more advantage of their surrounding props and used props already in the setting making the scene much more plausible. Also I feel as if the actors were much more energetic which was seen through their voice as it projected throughout the play making the play more pleasing to watch as I stayed in focus much more. They also took advantage of the whole setting not just sticking into one space. For example the opening scene in the original play when are introduced to Inspector Bertozzo he connects immediately with the audience delivering his first long speech which was entertain through his tone which helped to interact with the audience.
In the original play the actors delivered the lines very well and even took advantage of the script adding in their own elements as they went along not following the script completely. This was much better than the second play as they didn’t really grab my attention well as they didn't deliver the lines at their best making it less convincing. The script in the original play was delivered very well which created a good rhythm throughout the play they also nailed the stage directions making the play visually interesting to watch, this also helped to understand the farcical and satirical events much more when been acted out, this helped me understand the overall message about police corruption much more as I could understand the dialogue more.
To conclude I preferred the adaptation by Gavin Richards play much more than the play by ‘My Fair Heathen Production's’ as the actors interacted with the audience and had good on stage chemistry with one another they also took advantage of the script following the stage directions perfectly throughout the whole play making the whole play convincing and pleasing to watch.