By Ruthie Kasnett
ROME, March 5 - On
Feb. 27, JCU’s Aula Magna changed scenes, literally. Moving away from
its traditional lecture hall setting, where countless
JCU classes take place, the room was
transformed into a theatrical production
of Marco Grossi’s “l’Eredita” (The Inheritance).
Written and directed by Grossi of Compagnia Urbana, “l’Eredita,” performed entirely in Italian, is a story about three very different brothers (and their individual and interpersonal relationships) who come to learn of a fortune left behind by their late uncle.
From the opening scene, it is a true test of character for Alvaro, Manlio, and Gerardo, who try to change their ways. But, by the play’s closing, they (and the audience) learn that certain personality traits can not be eradicated and that promises can never fully be kept (or made), no matter how large the inheritance.
“The room was packed, which was a bit surprising to me,” said Joanna Dubin, a 20-year-old student at JCU. “At a school where the majority of the students do not speak Italian fluently, the turnout was much better than I had expected for a play solely spoken in Italian. Chairs needed to be added and people were standing throughout the entire performance.”
Despite the language barrier, students had little problem following the story.
“I didn’t understand a word, but that didn’t make any difference. The words were spoken with such heart and emotion. The acting made the play not only less difficult to get but so much more enjoyable. I honestly didn’t feel like subtitles were necessary,” said Amy Greenspoon, a 20-year-old JCU student.
Following in the tradition of Commedia Italiana (Italian comedy), “l’Eredita” is witty, emotional and thought-provoking. Well received by its audience, the play is well worth seeing, as are other works by the Compagnia Urbana, who also develop film projects (which can be viewed online) in addition to theatrical pieces. Based out of the Arte del Teatro Studio in Rome, the company is small, yet well regarded, consisting of six actors and actresses, a scriptwriter and director.
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