Accidental Death of an Anarchist by Italian playwrights Dario Fo and Franca Rame premiered in 1970. It has since been performed in more than 40 countries.

A political farce, the play is based on the true story of the 1969 Piazza Fontana bombing and the death of Giuseppe Pinelli while being interrogated by the police. At the time of writing, Italy was experiencing a time of political unrest, workers’ strikes and radical challenge of the establishment.

Drawing on the traditions of clowning and commedia dell’arte, the play shines a spotlight on police corruption through various theatrical devices including impersonation, farce and slapstick.

This 2023 English language version of the play is adapted by Tom Basden. Retaining the original’s deployment of the absurd, Basen brings a fresh modern twist by locating the action in a London police station. The anarchist’s death results in a dramatic unravelling of order into chaos as allegations of Met police corruption, collusion and heavy-handedness are ‘investigated’ by both press and the judiciary.

Characters

1. The Maniac – an unnamed compulsive performer (also plays Judge Randall)
2. Inspector Burton – from the third floor
3. Superintendent Curry – the station chief
4. Detective Daisy – plain-clothes detective
5. PC Jackson – from the third floor
6. Agent Joseph – the Superintendent’s aide
7. Fi Phelan – a journalist

Play reading:

Thursday 21st November 7.30pm

Auditions: we will use the sections of script listed here

Sunday 1st December 2pm

Thursday 5th December 7.30pm

Performance dates:

Week beginning 31st March or 7th April 2025 (subject to venue and licence confirmation)