This February will see self-taught actor Mario Pirovano perform Dario Fo’s beautifully crafted monologue, Lu Jullàre Saint Francis (Francis the Holy Jester) at Liverpool’s Capstone Theatre. The former apprentice of Dario Fo, and exceptionally talented performer, Pirovano will take to the stage on Tuesday 19th February in the one man show based on the life of the colourful St. Francis of Assisi. This will be the first time the play in its English translation will have been performed in the north of England and certainly in Liverpool.
Bringing to life the different characters from 13th century Italy – from popes and cardinals to soldiers and traders, Francis the Holy Jester relies on the imagination of the audience and the skill of the lone performer to bring each and every character to life. A show that is both comic and moving, weaving the story of colourful Italian Catholic preacher and self-proclaimed Jester of God, St. Francis of Assisi, through some of the pivotal points in his life. Drawing from historic texts and folk stories including reference to an event where Francis spoke to over 5,000 people in Bologna with such power it cause lasting peace for the first time in years. Dario Fo’s works have been translated into many different languages and can be used to reflect political issues outside of the original Italian context. Using Italian Commedia dell’arte style to present characters, Fo’s plays are both highly thought provoking and extremely entertaining.
This will be Pirovano’s first time performing in Liverpool and is a rare opportunity for local audiences to experience his unique, energetic acting style, which has earned him much international acclaim over the last 20 years. A solo performer, Pirovano is both the storyteller and cast of Francis the Holy Jester. During the show, he both narrates episodes form the life of St. Francis, while also performing a range of characters from the medieval world: Popes and Cardinals, soldiers on the battlefield, farmers and vendors at the marketplace, and Saint Francis himself.
Pirovano is delighted to be performing in Liverpool for the first time this February 19th at the Capstone Theatre. A must-see for those interested in the life of this celebrated figure, Fo’s play is also very much a play for our times, presenting Saint Francis as a passionate social activist, relentlessly campaigning against hypocrisy, corrupt authority and social injustice. For one night only . . . .
Ian D. Hall