As we were seated in the St.Germain Theatre, we commented on the lack of scenery. The entire stage and floor were painted black. The two performers came out and spoke off-handedly with the audience before the play itself began. On stage were two chairs with men's and women's clothing folded on them and a couple of tables. Gradually the two actors got into their characters of Antonietta and Gabriele. They also, when off stage, were the voices of Antonietta's six children, doorbells, ringing phones, the neighbor, etc.
The play takes place on the day in 1938 when Hitler and Mussolini met in Rome. Antonietta's parrot escapes from its cage and flys out the window. Gabriele has a gun in his hand and is about to commit suicide when she rings his doorbell. As the play progresses they talk, dance, make love, and argue. It turns out that Gabriele is gay and has been fired from his job as a radio announcer.
With chalk they create windows as needed, a lamp, a telephone, a parrot cage and so on, while carrying on the drama. They finally part, him to escape the fascist government of Italy and she to return to her abusive husband.Their versatility is amazing.
It was an exciting night in the theatre!
