Michelangelo Pistoletto's Works Enter the Stage in Alessandro Preziosi's King Lear

Alessandro Preziosi's adaptation of Shakespeare's King Lear, titled Aspettando Re Lear, incorporates six works by Michelangelo Pistoletto as functional set pieces, which the artist has requested be called 'oggetti di scena'. The production debuts at the Teatro Romano di Verona on July 20 and 21, 2023, following a preview in Naples. Preziosi, who also directs and stars as Lear, conceived the idea after visiting Pistoletto's exhibition INFINITY at the Chiostro del Bramante, where a cardboard labyrinth inspired the storm scene. The collaboration extends to costumes made by a section of Cittadellarte, Pistoletto's foundation, and music influenced by his concept of the Terzo Paradiso. Preziosi describes the process as a series of coincidences and resonances between Shakespeare's text and Pistoletto's art, including themes of father-child relationships. The set includes a black box for depth, with lighting that shifts between warm and cold tones. Preziosi has previously integrated contemporary art into his productions, such as using inks in his Don Giovanni. Pistoletto, who has not yet seen the performance, will attend the Verona shows and the production is expected to travel to Cittadellarte.