We are thrilled to host Antonio Fava, the acclaimed International Master of Commedia, in a one night only performance.

On February 25, 2012 at 8PM, Mr. Fava will be performing at Piccolo Theatre in PULCINELLATA NERA, translated as BLACK COMEDY ALLA PULCINELLA, a dark comedy in the Southern Italian Commedia dell' Arte style. This special performance is in celebration of International Commedia dell'Arte Day.

BLACK COMEDY ALLA PULCINELLA is the latest version of Antonio Fava's 'pulcinellata', always the same yet different. It started in 1994 and while maintaining its original it has developed to the extent of becoming a sort of personal signature. He has always been able to rely on a great partner, each time so good at accomplishing the difficult task of being in his surroundings, right in front of the audience.

In BLACK COMEDY ALLA PULCINELLA, performing at his side, quite intensely, is the great and fascinating Cecilia Di Donato.

The title, BLACK COMEDY ALLA PULCINELLA, reflects how this latest version tries to develop the obscure and unfathomable side of Pulcinella's comicality and its mask complexity.

The act, absolutely funny, is based on superstition, a cultural and behavioral element of primary importance in the existence of long-nosed South Italian 'Zanni'. A real Southern, which in my version is not even from the Naples area but 'calabro' instead, or 'calabbrisi' as those from the Calabria region are called. It is a further step towards the black mode of the whole, towards being that Southern land that in the recent decades has sunk even deeper in the general opinion (particularly moving up north).

The Southern culture has very noble and ancient roots, which are indeed portrayed in the eternal and unsolvable suffering of the 'calabro' Pulcinella. In his nobility Pulcinella believes that suffering is the only possible condition in life and he deserves - how shall we say? - to have his own 'adjusted view': no one can suffer as he does. Down there in fact, deeply down, socially, economically, culturally, geographically down, suffering is nothing unless it is done in such a visible, dramatic, spectacular and so beautiful way. Suffering alone? Could we be so foolish? Oh no... publically of course! Where everyone can see! Where the suffering might even delight the viewers.

In BLACK COMEDY ALLA PULCINELLA, Pulcinella wins the lotto. Unfortunately a black cat crosses his way holding him back from the great opportunity, keeping him beyond the line of misery and despair. What after? It's now time to see the show to know more. What is certain is that many are the unfortunate people that Pulcinella meets along the 'fatal line'... an hungry Zagna (a servant), a depressed but beautiful Lover, a Lady devastated by an uncontrollable desire, a terrible, unsustainable and disturbing Fosca, Donna Zezza that will become his wife...and all the other fantastic creatures...all in the hands of the amazing Cecilia.

All ends well. It must end well. This is the dogma, the absolute law, the non-crossable line that keeps us within comedy, as a place for laughing and share a pleasant time together regardless of the gloomy theme: it's comedy. Actually, COMMEDIA.