Dario Fo and Franca Rame (Modern Dramatists)

This series aims to introduce the reader to major 19th and 20th century dramatists, movements and new forms of drama throughout the world. This book is an examination of the work of the Italian dramatist Dario Fo, and his wife Franca Rame. Fo is renowned as one of the world's leading clowns, who has also presented a challenge to the theatrical and political establishment for over 30 years. Throughout this period Fo and his wife, Franca have worked together, creating their own scripts, with Fo acting as director and designer. This study examines the significance of their theatre in the context of the Italian political and dramatic scene as well as considering the adaptations of their work in English. The dramatic structure of the leading farces - "Accidental Death of an Anarchist", "Can't Pay Won't Pay, "Trumpets and Raspberries" are examined, as well as the theatrical skill of the monologues - "Mistero Buffo", "The Story of the Tigress" and "Female Parts". The study concludes with a consideration of the political nature of Fo and Rame's theatre both in relation to contemporary developments in Italy and to the question of sexual politics which has more recently developed as a major