A double cast will bring Dario Fo’s 1970 play, Accidental Death of an Anarchist, to the stage in the NIU School of Theatre and Dance’s Black Box Theatre beginning Friday, November 7 at 7:30 p.m.
The play is based on the 1969 bombing of Piazza Fontana in Milan, Italy, in the headquarters of the National Agricultural Bank, and the subsequent death of the titular anarchist, Giuseppe Pinelli, while being interrogated by the police.
The production is directed by Alexander Gelman, distinguished engagement professor, head of performance, and head of M.F.A. acting in the School of Theatre and Dance. There are nine performances, three more than the standard six show run, to allow the double cast ample opportunity to perform. Nine actors are splitting up the roles, with some playing the role on different days, some playing the same role in all nine performances and some playing different roles from one night to the next. As a result there are two casts.
The “Plaid Cast” features Kaja Pusara as Inspector Bertozzo, Phoebe Aston as Maniac, Mosi Weinberg as Constable, Natalie Olson-Shank as Inspector in the Sports Jacket, Nick Ivanoff as Superintendent and Skylee Pierce as Journalist. They will perform on November 7, 9 and 15.
The “Striped Cast” features Kylee Moore as Inspector Bertozzo, David JC Alvarado as Maniac, Natalie Olson-Shank as Constable, TJ Powell as Inspector in the Sports Jacket, Phoebe Aston as Superintendent and Skylee Pierce as Journalist. They will perform on November 8, 13 and 14.
Performances will be held at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, November 7, Saturday, November 8, Thursday, November 13, Friday, November 14 and Saturday, November 15. Matinee performances will be offered at 2 p.m. Saturday, November 8, Sunday, November 9, and Saturday, November 15.
An audience talkback with cast and crew will be facilitated by Gibson Cima, associate professor in the School of Theatre and Dance immediately following the 7:30 p.m. performance, Saturday, November 8.
Tickets are available online at go.niu.edu/arts-tickets. NIU students are admitted free of charge with a reserved ticket.
View the full program online including cast and crew bios at niuarts.com/accidental-death-of-an-anarchist.
