Anna Della Rosa Embodies Fluidity and Freedom in ‘Orlando’ at Modena’s Teatro Storchi
Modena, Italy – From February 26th to March 1st, the Teatro Storchi is hosting a theatrical adaptation of Virginia Woolf’s seminal 1928 novel, Orlando. The production, directed by Andrea De Rosa and featuring a dramaturgical rewriting by Fabrizio Sinisi, stars Anna Della Rosa in the singular role of Orlando, a character who transcends time, gender, and societal norms.
A Journey Through Centuries and Identities
Orlando follows the extraordinary life of a nobleman who, after a mysterious sleep, awakens to find themself transformed into a woman. This pivotal moment sets in motion a centuries-spanning journey through various historical periods, from the Elizabethan era to the 20th century. The play explores themes of identity, desire, and the fluidity of self, mirroring the complex relationship between Virginia Woolf and Vita Sackville-West, to whom the novel is dedicated.
Della Rosa on Bringing Orlando to Life
Anna Della Rosa describes the experience of embodying Orlando as a joyous undertaking. “The two salient features of Woolf’s novel emerge: the change of sexual identity of the protagonist…But it also crosses various historical eras,” Della Rosa explained. The production emphasizes the power of language and performance to shape identity, with subtle costume changes – a belt or a hat – signifying Orlando’s transformation. “It’s the word that changes the world,” Della Rosa stated, highlighting the central role of language in the play.
A Celebration of Freedom and Desire
The production delves into the novel’s exploration of desire and freedom, presenting Orlando as a “hymn to the exuberant joy of adventure…to freedom, to the possibility of taking pleasure, according to alternative models to the laws of conformism.” Woolf’s philosophy, encapsulated in the phrase “long live desire in any form,” is brought to the forefront, celebrating a life lived authentically and without constraint.
Accessibility and Community Engagement
The Teatro Storchi is committed to accessibility, offering an audiodescribed performance on Sunday, March 1st, for visually impaired audience members, in collaboration with Centro Diego Fabbri and with the support of Fondazione Banco San Geminiano e San Prospero. On Friday, February 27th, a discussion titled “Conversando di teatro” will be held with Anna Della Rosa, moderated by Rita Monticelli, with guest Cristina Gamberi, offering further insight into the play and its themes. The event will take place at the Biblioteca Delfini (sala conferenze).
Performance Details
- Dates: February 26th – March 1st
- Times: Thursday & Friday at 8:30 PM, Saturday at 7:00 PM, Sunday at 4:00 PM
- Location: Teatro Storchi, Modena
Orlando promises a thought-provoking and visually captivating theatrical experience, inviting audiences to contemplate the boundaries of identity and the enduring power of love and self-expression.