By Christopher Thomas
Accidental Death of an Anarchist is a delightfully complex piece which on the surface is whimsical with light comedic moments throughout, but simultaneously delves into dark and complex themes such as abuse of power and moral ambiguity.
Originally written by Italian playwright Dario Fo in 1970, it is inspired by the real-life death of Giuseppe Pinelli, an Italian anarchist who “fell” from a police station window while being interrogated about a bombing he was later cleared of.
Premiering on 5 December 1970 at the Capannone di Via Colletta in Milan, the play has since been performed in over 40 countries and has been translated into an authorised English version by Ed Emery, which was released in 1980. An Australian adaptation was staged in 2009 by Sydney Theatre Company, which localised the script for contemporary political contexts and modern audiences.
This time around PIP Theatre has staged a wonderful production with a modified script to suit, that has frequent references to Brisbane and Queensland, particularly the Fitzgerald Enquiry, including a short cameo by the late Jo B- P. The play satirically exposes police corruption, authoritarian abuse, and state violence through a blend of farce and slapstick comedy. Set entirely within a police station, it follows a mysterious character known only as “the maniac” who impersonates a judge to investigate the questionable death of an anarchist—allegedly the result of a fall from a fourth-story window during police interrogation.
Callum Johnston’s direction ensures a fast paced and engaging production, which never skips a beat and keeps the story flowing throughout some quite intricate exchanges between the characters.
Through a series of disguises and sharp verbal manipulation, the Maniac (Deidre Grace) draws out contradictions in the officers’ testimonies, revealing their incompetence, brutality, and efforts to conceal the truth. Grace’s sheer amount of dialogue is mind-blowing, and provides a stellar performance while steering the show forward. Grace’s comedic ability leaves the audience in stitches, particularly in the second act when transforming to the disabled forensic expert.
Rebel Star is larger than life as Superintendent Biscoff, providing a constant source of authority while keeping the satirical theme very much alive. Izabela Wasilewska is hilarious as Detective Hallaran, the “middleman” and main antagonist with her glaring eyes and authoritarian approach to policing, sending strong vibes of Hogan’s Heroes from the ‘80s era. She was an absolute pleasure to watch.
Greg Scurr provided a solid opening to the scene as Inspector Louis, interrogating the “maniac” and asserting his honest position in the policing process. His antithesis to a bumbling accusatory bystander in the second act is one of the great jarring but entertaining aspects of the play.
Isaiah Harrison has dual roles. He depicts the “fallen” anarchist multiple times throughout the night, but then becomes the inquisitive journalist Maria Feletti, who is instrumental to uncovering the truth about the events in question. Harrison’s ability to smash the fourth wall as the anarchist then tower on stage in character as Feletti is a testament to his focus on stage.
Finally, Dana Summer plays PC Sherbert (watch for the dual role). Summer provides a constant source of support for the superior characters, but her ability to draw focus when required and execute her near perfect comedic moments are some of the big highlights of this production.
The vignettes of dance and mime (watch for the Jerry Lewis segment) are pure gold. Physical comedy is used to great effect by all actors, complementing the enjoyment of the complex but entertaining script.
The fourth wall is broken frequently—much to the audience’s delight—which positively adds to the immersion and comedic elements of the play. The finale is open ended allowing the audience to choose the ending of their preference while considering themes of justice, accountability, and moral responsibility.
The overriding theme and devastatingly poignant, the facts about deaths in custody are laid bare late in the production, highlighting the importance in this piece of theatre mimicking real life that we all need to consider, and tread in a positive direction.
Accidental Death of an Anarchist, until August 2, PIP Theatre, 20 Park Road Milton. Grab your tickets here: https://piptheatre.org/accidental-death-of-an-anarchist/
