La Zuffa è Servita (The Soup is Served)

Written and directed by Germano Rubbi

Inspired by the 1700′s Goldonian masterpiece La Famiglia dell’Antiquario (The Antique Dealer’s Family), La Zuffa è Servita was conceived of to represent a classical example of Italian theater from the 1500s. The play is subdivided into five acts, with “recited” intervals (in this case by two mute attendants who visibly change scenes in achoreographic manner) and so-called “fixed” characters.  Rich, layered themes within the acts weave a historically accurate story about the nobility of  landlords, the mercantile polarity represented by the lavish guest, the academic dullness typical of intellectuals, the world of the church, the lovers, and the indiscretion of servants.

In this varied picture emerges the bullying character of the cast which, in spite of their facades, demonstrate vices and virtues of the 1500s bourgeoisie. Vibrant dialogues gravitate around the difficult lifestyle of the mother-in-law, noble but penniless, and the daughter-in-law, daughter of an extremely rich merchant of humble ancestry.

The ten actors, comedians with a wealth of experience, play with the comedy embedded in the lines of the text and amplify their comedic aspect with movements and pantomimes typical of the great interpreters of Commedia dell’Arte, true dominator of 1600s theater in Italy and the rest of Europe.

TECHNICAL DETAILS:
Title: La Zuffa è Servita (from Goldoni’s The Antique Dealer’s Family)
Number of actors: 10
Duration: 80 minutes

The show is intended to be performed on a stage. In the case of outdoor performances, a stage at least 16 feet in width and 20 feet in length is necessary and the actors need wireless microphones.

For more information or to bring this show to your area, please contact Germano Rubbi: germano@digitalispurpurea.org