We return not only to the scene of the crime but also to the scene of success. And so Ignazio Chessa, actor and founder of Lo Teatrì di Alghero, has returned to New York for two important events: staging the story of Peppino Impastato and bringing Gianni Rodari back to life.
The show "If Beauty Were Taught," dedicated to journalist Peppino Impastato, killed by the Mafia for reporting on crimes on Radio Aut, was presented to great success at the Italian American Museum. Inspired by the Commedia dell'Arte, the actor brought to life an unpredictable multitude of characters: a grieving mother, a Mafia boss, and Peppino himself; ultimately symbolically representing the people who refuse to surrender. The show features visual inspiration from animator Rotimi Olowu and illustrators M. Rizzo and L. Bonaccorso. Chessa also relies on the support of artist Valentina Celada and the renowned Sassari set and costume designer Fabio Loi , with whom he has collaborated since his first visit to the States.
Fabio Loi also exhibited in the Museum's rooms: sketches, drawings and study photographs of the show in a visual journey entitled " From Paper to Stage" .
The second appointment was held at the Italian Cultural Institute for “ Rodari in New York” , based on Gianni Rodari ’s Tales on the Telephone, where Chessa imagines the famous writer receiving phone calls from characters in his tales such as the Little Man of Nothing, King Midas, Alice Cascherina.
The New York schedule continued with two Home LoTeatrí performances of “Se si Insegnasse la bellezza,” a more intimately staged format, largely confirmed for the 2025 tour.
After leaving the Big Apple, Chessa and Loi are expected at the Stone Independent School in Lancaster , Pennsylvania, to lead a theater and scenography workshop.
