2001 - Veronica Franco

Written by: Dacia Maraini (translated into Maltese by Paul Buhagiar, adapted by Simon Bartolo)

Directed by: Simon Bartolo

Dates: 16th, 17th, 18th March 2001

Venue: MITP

Performers: Loranne Vella, Anna Formosa, Anthony Attard, Dominic Dimech, Nathalie Borg, Antonella Axisa, Simon Bartolo, Marianne Fenech

“Meta ahna nitharrgu u narmaw irwiehna nkunu nistghu nuru li ghandna idejn, saqajn u qlub bhalma ghandhom l-irgiel; u ghalkemm gisimna artab u delikat, xi rgiel rotob huma b’sahhithom ukoll waqt li ohrajn, raffi u horox, huma bezziegha. Ghadhom ma ndunawx in-nisa li, jekk iridu, jistghu jiggildulkom sal-mewt u, biex nurikom li m’iniex nigdeb, fost tant nisa, se nkun jien li mmidd ghonqi biex l-ohrajn ikollhom wara min jimxu.” Veronica Franco, 1546 - 1591

Maraini’s play throws light upon Veronica Franco’s strength and ability to survive within 16th century male-dominated Venice. Veronica became one of the most popular courtesan, and was also the first woman to have her poetry published.

The focus of this production was the actor’s ability to switch between various roles. Also notable was the lack of set and prop, providing the vital poverty in which the actors were free to make full use of their bodies and voices with no distractions.

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