Overview
Synopsis
A lone maniac sets the police of Italy on their heads in Nobel Prize-winner Dario Fo’s classic play Accidental Death of an Anarchist. The Milan police force has been wildly condemned by the public following the death of a young, falsely-accused anarchist after his interrogation at their hands. Official reports of the incident conflict: in the first report, the man’s death is listed as “accidental,” whereas it is later listed as “suicide.” In the midst of this, the Maniac is hauled into the police station on charges of “impersonation.” The Maniac knows the police cannot hold him, as he has been legally-certified insane, and takes the opportunity to impersonate a judge sent to reopen the inquiry into the anarchist death, a forensic expert, and a bishop. Through his probing, hilarious, and shocking investigation, the Maniac reveals himself to be a hero to the people--and the police department’s worst nightmare.
Show Information
- Book
- Dario Fo
- Category
- Play
- Age Guidance
- Thirteen Plus (PG-13)
- Number of Acts
- 2
- First Produced
- 1970
- Genres
- Dark Comedy, Satire, Historical/Biographical
- Settings
- Contemporary, Unit/Single Set
- Time & Place
- A police station in Milan, Italy, 1969
- Cast Size
- small
- Licensor
- Samuel French
- Ideal For
- College/University, Community Theatre, High School, Mostly Male Cast, Professional Theatre, Regional Theatre, Small Cast, Star Vehicle Male, Includes Adult Characters
Context
Plot
Characters
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Lead |
Male |
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Supporting |
Male |
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Supporting |
Male |
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Supporting |
Male |
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Supporting |
Female |
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Supporting |
Male |
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Songs
A song with an asterisk (*) before the title indicates a dance number; a character listed in a song with an asterisk (*) by the character's name indicates that the character exclusively serves as a dancer in this song, which is sung by other characters.
Monologues
Scenes
Key Terms
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Videos
Quizzes
Themes, Symbols & Motifs
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Quote Analysis
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