Deriving from the case of Giuseppe Pinelli, a Milanese railway employee, who in 1969 was picked up by the police, accused of a bombing, before plunging from a fourth-floor window to his death, (later he was finally absolved from any responsibility for the bombings), Italian Playwright and left-wing activist Dario Fo has turned dull political theatre into a lively Marx bothers style slap-stick farce. It plays out at a pacy dynamic speed, (reading in one go is probably wise), contains some hilarious dialogue, and in the 'Maniac' has a character I would have loved to see up on the stage, (Alfred Molina had apparently done a brilliant performance once upon a time). The play carries with it a deep underlying political message that is important to remember, even through the barrel of laughs.
A sensation on it's 1970 release, the heart of the play surrounds an imposter, the maniac, running verbal circles around everyone in his path, including the woolly-headed Inspector Bertozzo and other constables and superintendents at a police HQ in Milan. By using an absurdist and satirical approach towards the issues of power, its abuse, and political stations, Fo creates sense out of nonsensical characters and situations. The maniac, a pimpernel like character, leads the others pretty much round the bend with a head spinning array of questioning, surrounding the death of an anarchist from years before. Under mysterious circumstances the anarchist had thrown himself out the window whilst under a police investigation. But foul play is suspected, and in effect we see the maniac acting in an insane manner towards the accused. He is quick witted and clever, flaunts with admirable pride, causing mayhem and confusion.
You cannot help but love this crazy notion, served up with darkly comedic rewards by the end. You start to wonder just how these events effect your overall views. Your reminded of the reality of the crime, how it really took place, and yet they are forced to laugh at it and find disgust in that humor. It is this form of satire that provokes thoughts and action towards change, which is what Fo wanted. It is this subtle stealthiness of dark humor that creates the desired effect of political theatre: change, perhaps for the better, or in this case, for the playwrights cause. On A lighter note, the ever present window on the forth floor is the only realistic element to contend with, everyone else could have been plucked right out of an abundance of comic films, from The Pink Panther to Carry On.
As a play, it is better seen than read obviously, but the one advantage is you haven't got to worry about the audience shuffling around or heading off to the restroom thus blocking your path. Also drinks are a rip off at the theatre. I can mix my own Cocktails at home for half the price.
This play is a potent reminder that leftwing political theatre can be a rapturous joyful experience rather than a borefeast resulting in an induced coma. Thank you Mr Fo for brightening up my afternoon on this rather dreary looking day.