Italian born actress Roberta Laguardia makes her Liverpool stage debut in one woman show Franca, the result of research work on the figure of Franca Rame, the most innovative female figure in Italian theatre of the twentieth century.
The show, which comes to the Lantern Theatre from the 19th to the 21st May, looks deep into the heart and soul of the actress, in a fine example of a woman on the front line of the battle for civil rights. The performance looks at women’s rights and sexual violence against women, a subject matter that could be considered more relevant today now that the term “rape culture” has entered our social vocabulary.
Dario Fo and his son Jacopo have given Laguardia the seal of approval on the challenging project, so much so that they have officially authorised for Laguardia the rights to perform the play.
Roberta Laguardia was born in Rome where she obtained a degree and graduated from the Academy of Dramatic Art Beatrice Bracco. The actress has spent many years working around the world gaining experience in numerous aspects of theatre including acting and directing.
Franca was originally performed in Berlin’s Coffi Italian Film Festival 2014 under the title Franca Rame “We all have the same story,” written by Dario Fo and based on the play The whole house bed and church. Following this Laguardia began her collaboration with actor and director Marbo Becker. The performance has been updated for its run in Liverpool and will be performed in Italian with subtitles for audience members. Dr. Brian Desmond of Chester University’s drama department will introduce the performance.
Laguardia has worked with Liverpool’s Lantern Theatre, for almost two years. The venue will host Franca from 19th to 21st May. Tickets are £10/8 and can be purchased at www.lanterntheatreliverpool.co.uk or by calling 01517030000.