ACCIDENTAL DEATH OF AN ANARCHIST

ACCIDENTAL DEATH OF AN ANARCHIST a play performed by Chorley Amateur Dramatic and Operatic Society on Friday, 1st March, 2019 at Chorley Little Theatre.
This play was first performed in 1970 and was written by Italian playwright and Nobel Prize Winner for Literature Dario Fo. It is considered a classic of 20th century theatre and has been performed across the world in more than forty countries. The play is based on a real-life case of rail-worker Giuseppe Pinelli falsely accused of being a bomb-planting anarchist in 1969. Pinelli “fell” to his death from a window of Milan’s Police Headquarters. Fo wrote the play in the aftermath of Pinelli’s death, after evidence of police corruption was uncovered and then after Pinelli was absolved from any responsibility for the bombings. The play also explores themes of political corruption, repression, the nature of truth versus illusion, class struggle, and the conflict between reformers and revolutionaries.
We follow a clumsy and corrupt Italian police force and their attempts to ‘cover-up’ and manipulate the evidence surrounding the suspicious death of Pinelli whilst in custody. We meet the amusingly named ‘Maniac’, a blatantly and openly insane figure who constantly outsmarts the police officers. He assumes the role of a judge, a forensic expert, whilst secretly recording the events and misgivings and criminal activities of the police officers.
The final twist to the tale is when ‘Maniac’ offers us two different endings to the play; both involve an explosion which destroys the police headquarters but both have different individual and social implications.
Robert Walsh our Director, suggests in his ‘programme notes’ that Dario Fo was a genius, a left wing ‘nut job’ with a ‘bonkers sense of humour’ - I can only think Fo would have been very impressed with what was seen on stage tonight. Clearly, this was not a simple play to stage, so many congratulations to Robert and his Assistant Olivia Chandler for their vision, adaptation and interpretation of this classic political farce. 
There was little or no doubt that Robert and Olivia were blessed with a cast of very talented actors, all of whom delivered a ‘fast’ ‘high octane’ performance. The ‘chemistry’ and ‘boundless energy’ was obvious throughout!
As previously stated, all the cast were very talented, but one performance stood out – that was
Jacob Lee Prince. Jacob’s portrayal of ‘Maniac’ was fabulous!  Versatile, flawless, energy driven; he made this role look so much easier than it undoubtedly was!  I can hardly remember a scene he wasn’t in and the amount of dialogue was unbelievable. His ability to characterise the many guises he was given was amazing; the best without doubt, being the ‘one legged, one handed, one eyed, bearded Forensic Expert’!  (No one was going to alt Jacob’s progress that night, not even, on the first of many ‘cavorts’ around the auditorium, a First Aider on duty who tried to alt his progress with a badly placed foot in the aisle; Jacob rode the challenge, bounced up and kept on going as though nothing had happened – it could even have been written in the script, but I think not!) - Outstanding Jacob, outstanding!
Andrew Lomax played the part of Bertozzo; he was the first of many police officers to be ‘out-smarted’ by ‘Maniac’. Bertozzo spent most of his time stressed up about something or other.  A good job Andrew!  

Steven Catterall played Pissani, Steve Unsworth the Superintendent and Ashley McLoughlin the Constable; individually great - together as a ‘team’ brilliant; they just bounced (sometimes literally) off each other!  Steve Catterall’s character Pissani, a confused man, torn between protecting his police career and that of his bosses, whilst wrestling with the idea of a career as a ‘stand-up comedian’ a comedian with little or no skill.  Steve Unsworth the Superintendent, the boss, the man in charge on that fateful night!  Loud, brash, played with a lot of skill and characterisation. Finally,  Ashley McLoughlin the Constable, (a ‘Private Pike’ type character), a quiet, unassuming and possibly even a victim of the system himself!  Loved his characterisation, his facial expressions and when he walked straight through the door without ‘opening it’, loved it – well done Ashley !
In Act 2 we meet for the first time Feletti a journalist played by Steph Threlfall. Steph was a ‘perfect fit’ for this role and played it well. We first meet Feletti when she arrives at Police Headquarters for a pre-arranged meeting with the Superintendent to clear up rumours about the interrogation of Pinelli.  The meeting is somewhat ‘ambushed’ by ‘Maniac’. Feletti also has a major part to play in both the conclusions to this play!
And last but certainly not least... Olivia Chandler played the part of Dotty McDongle-Thorpe.
I’m not sure how to describe Olivia’s role ... stage hand, prop master....not sure!  But all I can say is that for a part without speech Olivia was so ‘loud’!   They say ‘actions speak louder than words’ ... Olivia really didn’t need to say anything to be noticed...well done!
This ‘one set’ play designed and Stage Managed by Michael Taylor and his team, was of a high standard and used the stage to maximum effect. Loved the ‘paper door’ - well done sir.  Set Dressing and Props were of a good standard and again, just loved that all the ‘paper files’ where marked up as ‘PROPS’ for all to see - just added that ‘extra little something’ and was in keeping with the farce ... well done to Sue Taylor and Rebecca Moran
Costumes were apt and enhanced the performance as did the lighting and sound; congrats to both the Wardrobe Team and to Paul Carr and Michael Taylor.  
Final thoughts.... the rendition/inclusion of ‘Three Lions on your Chest’ brilliant and so funny and how did Donald Trump, Teresa May, Russian Gas Attacks and Brexit get in there - truly inspirational!
Thank you so much for inviting us, this was a hugely enjoyable evening; hope to see you all again soon. Once again, well done to all involved!

 

 

 

 

 

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.