Brindisi, the old port city on Puglia's Adriatic coast, is not short of stories. This time the story comes from the stage: Scandalo, a comedy written and directed by Ivan Cotroneo, brought to life by Anna Valle and Gianmarco Saurino at the Nuovo Teatro Verdi.
A comedy that plays with who we pretend to be
Every good scandal starts with a role someone is expected to play. Cotroneo builds his comedy on exactly that idea.
The play explores roles, social conventions and prejudices through a story of seduction and manipulation. Expect wit first, but also the kind of uncomfortable laughter that makes you look at your neighbour in the next seat.
Two actors, one charged duel
With only two names on the bill, the evening promises a close, almost physical dialogue between the stage and the audience. Anna Valle and Gianmarco Saurino carry the story on timing, glances and silences as much as on words.
It is the kind of theatre where the balance of power keeps shifting. Who is seducing whom? That question is part of the fun.
What to look forward to
- Sharp, modern writing from Ivan Cotroneo, who also directs the staging
- A seduction game in which nothing is quite what it seems
- Themes of prejudice and social expectation that spark conversation long after the curtain falls
- A live, intimate atmosphere that no screen can reproduce
Make a whole evening of it
A night at the theatre in Brindisi works best when you give it some room on both sides. Arrive early and stroll through the historic centre toward the port.
The lungomare and the harbour are a lovely backdrop for an aperitivo before the show. The Roman column that marks the end of the Appian Way is a short walk away and worth a look in the evening light.
After the final applause, the debate usually moves to a table. Find a trattoria nearby and ask your companions which character they believed. The play is built to be talked about, and a late dinner is the natural second act.
Why Scandalo stands out
Big names, a contemporary script and a theme that touches everyone make this more than a routine night out. For couples it is a witty conversation starter. Friends will enjoy picking the characters apart, and solo theatre-goers will find a story that rewards close attention.
If you are spending time in Brindisi, this is a chance to see the city in its cultural mode, away from the beach and the sightseeing routes.