Noted Italian Shakespearean actor Glauco Mauri is the centerpiece of this beautifully realized production of Luigi Pirandello's cryptic look at madness premiered in 1922. The story concerns a man who suffers complete amnesia following a fall from a horse during a faux medieval tournament. He is condemned to live in an eternal present: for him, the year 1071. Those around him attempt to maintain his illusion of living in medieval times, even as his wife Matilde (Magda Mercatali) discerns glimmers of his lucidity.
Enrico enjoys complete freedom within his madness to the point of slaying the Doctor, a sinister psychologist and ersatz priest/confessor who is playing God with him. In spite of their anguish, Enrico's family and friends also enjoy role playing with this modern Don Quixote encased in a complete and detailed fantasy.
Director Scaparro chooses a completely naturalistic, conversational delivery for the actors but unfortunately does not work enough with language to indicate Enrico's movement from madness to sanity and back. Also, and all too commonly, Mr. Scaparro makes little attempt to bring out Pirandello's intrinsic humor. Although the various characters are well defined, the company tends to frame Mr. Mauri rather than interact with him, perhaps out of respect for his celebrity. Andrea Rispoli makes a strong impression as one of Enrico's four retainers. Mauro Carosi's sets feature herringbone brick walls and floor for Enrico's throne room and anteroom, while Roberto Francia's carefully selected colors reinforce the 1920s look for the non-medieval costumes.
This touring production by the Eliseo Teatro Stabile di Roma under the direction of Maurizio Scaparro and the Compagnia Glauco Mauri was seen in Bologna at the Teatro del Sole. Constructed in 1811 as an open-air daytime theater and finally covered in 1930, the hemicycle interior retains its former airiness with natural-toned wood and light blue walls and upholstery.
