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April 29, 2007

The English Theatre of Rome

English speakers in Rome have to look hard to find some good English-language entertainment in the city. With only two cinemas showing the occasional movie in English and a handful of bookstores with a modest English section, the chances of sitting back and escaping reality without having to translate are few and far between.

If one digs deep enough, however, he may find this little gem beneath the cobblestones (literally): The English Theatre of Rome.

Last week I attended the show Broad Cloth Trilogy, part 2 – Body Matters, directed by Dyanne White and part of the “WOW: Women on Wednesdays” series. It was my first time seeing a show by The English Theatre of Rome and I didn’t know exactly what to expect.

Upon arrival at the Teatro l’Arciliuto I settled into the comfortable lounge where spectators wait for one show to end and the next to begin. The maroon walls were adorned with antique instruments and frescos and provided a relaxing atmosphere for a drink before or after a show.

The theater itself is very intimate. A stairway takes you from the waiting room and underground to the theater. The space – probably once a wine cellar – holds an audience of approximately 50 people.

Despite my initial qualms about the size, the show – seven monologues written and performed by women – blew me away. My favorite performances included Gaby Ford’s excerpt from “A Broad Abroad” where she comically demonstrates how to dub a pornographic film while eating fruit into a microphone; “Coming. Ready Or Not” written by Dyanne White where Melissa Palleschi personifies a zit; and Terianne Falcone’s “Sh#t Happens” which demonstrates her ability as a hysterical storyteller.

All of the actors were exceedingly talented and the monologues had me nearly rolling on the floor. My Italian boyfriend was also amused, and insisted that we return for the English-Italian language play that the group performs every season.

For ticket information, click HERE

Posted by Kelsea  at 3:41 PM | Permalink

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