Mussolini's Theatre
Fascist Experiments in Art and Politics

Offers a portrait of Benito Mussolini, whose passion for theatre profoundly shaped his ideology and actions as head of fascist Italy.

Patricia Gaborik (Author)

9781108830591, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 6 May 2021

326 pages
23.5 x 15.8 x 2 cm, 0.65 kg

'Gaborik has a distinct and pleasant authorial voice with a knack for narrative. Her book demonstrates excellent research across a wide range of sources, with persuasive and convincing arguments that will prove crucial for scholars and students of twentieth-century European drama and history. At the same time, her descriptions tell an intriguing story as they detail scenes, depict complexities of the anti-hero's inner life, and suspensefully reveal theraw power that Mussolini appreciated in the relationship between theatre, politics, and the people.' Juliet Guzzetta, Modern Drama

Benito Mussolini has persistently been described as an 'actor' – and also as a master of illusions. In her vividly narrated account of the Italian dictator's relationship with the theatre, Patricia Gaborik discards any metaphorical notions of Il Duce as a performer and instead tells the story of his life as literal spectator, critic, impresario, dramatist and censor of the stage. Discussing the ways in which the autarch's personal tastes and convictions shaped, in fascist Italy, theatrical programming, she explores Mussolini's most significant dramatic influences, his association with important figures such as Luigi Pirandello, Gabriele D'Annunzio and George Bernard Shaw, his oversight of stage censorship, and his forays into playwriting. By focusing on its subject's manoeuvres in the theatre, and manipulation of theatrical ideas, this consistently illuminating book transforms our understandings of fascism as a whole. It will have strong appeal to readers in both theatre studies and modern Italian history.

1. Mussolini the Critic
2. Mussolini the Impresario: Part I. Fascism and the Art Theatre: 3. Mussolini the Dramatist
4. Mussolini the Censor
5. Mussolini the Impresario: Part II. Fascism and the Theatre for Masses.

Subject Areas: Political leaders & leadership [JPHL], Fascism & Nazism [JPFQ], Second World War [HBWQ], 20th century history: c 1900 to c 2000 [HBLW], European history [HBJD], Theatre: individual actors & directors [ANB]