Caravaggio Monologue Debuts in Bari with Sgarbi Dialogue

A theatrical monologue dedicated to Caravaggio, written by Francesco Niccolini and directed by Enzo Vetrano and Stefano Randisi, premiered on October 29, 2023, at Teatro Kismet in Bari, following a preview on October 26 in Santarcangelo di Romagna. Performed by Luigi D'Elia, the production is part of Mesagne Capitale Cultura Puglia 2023. The debut included a dialogue between D'Elia and critic Vittorio Sgarbi, based on Sgarbi's essay 'Ecce Caravaggio. Da Roberto Longhi ad oggi' (La nave di Teseo, 2021). The directors, in an interview, explained their approach: they focused on emotional truth and credibility, working with D'Elia to create a deep immersion into Caravaggio's life through his paintings. The play begins with the sound of waves, referencing paintings lost at sea before Caravaggio's death. Niccolini's text traces Caravaggio's artistic career, illuminating his masterpieces through words. The directors emphasized the relationship between art and illness, comparing Caravaggio's existential pain to Edvard Munch's 'The Scream'. The production is scheduled for multiple dates across Italy through April 2023.