We’re bringing Italian theatre back to Brisbane! Directed by Matteo Melzi, Fumo Negli Occhi/Keeping up with the Brandolinis is a comedy in two acts by Faele and Romano. After last year’s sell-out Italian language production, Danteatro and Growl Theatre are collaborating again to present a show entirely in Italian. English translation will be displayed above the stage in surtitles for those who don’t speak the language, or for hearing impaired.
Keeping up appearances in front of the neighbours takes hard work and clever tactics. All the more so when we are in 1960s Italy, with the economy booming, incomes rising, and more and more households acquiring consumer goods such as a fridge, a car, or a television set. Meanwhile, young people are rebelling – embracing revolutionary politics, rock music and… yoga!
Teresa Brandolini’s mission of upholding her family’s dignity and respectability, while the neighbours flaunt their superior spending power, requires her to maintain an elaborate smokescreen for onlookers (‘fumo negli occhi’) – a labour of love into which her teenage daughter, eternal-student son and long-suffering husband are co-opted. When her arch-rival, signora De Marchi, brags that she is off to the Isle of Capri just for the weekend, Teresa plans her revenge, Brandolini-style! Will she win out in the reputation stakes, or will the antics of family members, the maid, and an oppressed, non-unionised burglar spin things wildly out of her control?
From the local Italian language theatre group who brought you sold out performances of One Was Nude and One Wore Tails, Carnival of the Insects and La Gallina Canta, don’t miss Danteatro’s new comedy, Keeping Up with the Brandolinis! Performed in Italian with English surtitles.
Friday and Saturday shows begin at 7:30 pm, with Sunday matinee performances starting at 2:00 pm. Doors and bar will open 30 minutes prior to performance.
