Maybe, just maybe, the enticing offer that came in the mail to research the family history will turn up something astounding -- amazing enough to impress the patronizing brother-in-law or even catch the attention of a special lady. This is exactly what has happened to Aurelio Brandi, the lowly owner of a small stationery store. As narrated by master character actor Ivano Marescotti, Brandi discovers that he is in fact descended from the noble Beraldis, and counts no less. The research company unearthed a stack of documents that prove his noble roots, and our petty shopkeeper waves these in the air to confirm his winning the genealogical lottery. Relying on this instant way to end a miserable existence, Brandi shows off his heretofore-unknown family coat of arms to the audience. Ultimately bad luck will topple this grand illusion, and the monologue concludes with the stacks of boxes that hold his paper goods stock tumbling into a heap.
Poet and playwright Raffaello Baldini tells the story in lilting romagnolo dialect, mixed with enough Italian so the audience can follow the dialogue. Preferred collaborator Marescotti engages a full range of vocal effects and gestures to ply his public with humorous anecdotes, but the pitiable side of his character soon emerges. Then the balding actor makes the small tragedies that lurk behind everyday existence all too tangible. Guido Fiorato's set and Fabio Cingano's lighting are well-suited to Baldini's concept.
Although this production presented by Genoa's Teatro dell'Archivolto has been touring for the better part of two years, it has retained its freshness. This season at Teatro Filodrammatici in Milan Carta Canta is part of the Art of Comedy series, half of which is dedicated to regional authors.
