I Shot Mussolini, Nov 28, 2019 ***

THEATRE 

By Alice Bishop, by Le Poulet Terrible, presented by La Mama

At La Mama Courthouse, until Dec 8, 2019 

Reviewer: Kate Herbert 

Stars: ***

This review also published in print in Herald Sun on Tues Dec 3, 2019. (not online)

Heather Lythe as Violet / Greg Parker as Pennetta (ensemble at rear) by Renan Goksin

The Honourable Violet Gibson, an Irishwoman, shot Italian dictator, Benito Mussolini, in Rome in 1926, but, despite her best intentions, injured only his nose.

Based on this little-known, true event, I Shot Mussolini, written and directed by Alice Bishop, uses source material including The Irish Baron’s Daughter and Mussolini’s Nose by Richard Collin, and is a fascinating, often funny, sometimes tragic story of the ailing, ageing, and privileged Violet Gibson (Heather Lythe).

This episodic play begins with Violet’s apprehension, then charts her ensuing incarceration, using stylised action, a parade of characters and some witty dialogue.

Violet, a wealthy Irishwoman who converted to Catholicism, manoeuvres a path from botched assassination attempt, through police interviews, psychiatric assessments and even consultations with various saints who she views as her co-conspirators.

Lythe plays the eccentric Violet with an impeccable Irish accent, and is compelling, disturbing and credible as this cunning woman who feigns madness, confesses to political conspiracy, or tilts into genuine delusions and religious mania.

The ensemble, wearing black and white, plays multiple roles as nuns, police, judiciary, journalists and saints. The acting quality varies and some of the Italian accents are patchy, but there are some stand-outs.

Greg Parker is commanding as the dignified, persistent Chief Superintendent Pennetta, Michael F. Cahill is stately as defence counsel, Ferri, Bridgette Burton quirky as Violet’s companion, and Marco Lawrence comical as the gesticulating Radoani.

The sparse, black and white design, evocative projections (Salvador Castro) and dim lighting (Stelios Karagiannis), create a dreamlike quality, accentuating Violet’s foggy, distorted perception of the world.

Despite its unevenness, this production leaves us wondering how the world might have changed had Violet succeeded, and hearing Mussolini’s rambunctious speeches and his rabid supporters chanting, ‘Viva Il Duce’, reminds us that Fascism is only a vote away.

by Kate Herbert 

Heather Lythe as Violet  by Renan Goksinn

Designer Salvador Castro

Lighting Stelios Karagiannis

Sound Nat Grant

 Cast:

Bridgette Burton -Mary McGrath Violet’s companion,  Other roles

Michael F. Cahill - Ferri Defence counsel,  Other roles

Marco Lawrence - Ranaodi,Fiat Salesman,  Other roles

Matthew Moloney – Mussolini and Magistrate,  Other roles

Anthea Davis, Sophie Lampel- Other roles