The Dresser

The two-act drama, written by Ronald Harwood in 1979, is set in England in 1940, during the rage of the Second World War and shows a group of old actors who carry Shakespeare's repertoire around the theaters, performing even under aircraft alarms.

The comedian of the company, a now elderly and tired actor but, at the same time, rather capricious, despotic and vain, continues to act because it is his only reason for living: he can do it thanks to Norman, his dresser who supports him in all ways, both psychologically and practically, also defending him from the intrusiveness of others and encouraging him when he is disheartened. The company thus, despite the air alarm announcing new Nazi bombings, manages to stage King Lear and the show is a great success.

The play, a masterpiece by the English playwright, is almost a hymn to the theater and the illusion that civilization can defeat the destructive forces of war that loom all around, and is considered one of the most beautiful contemporary comedies ever written. The direction of the show is entrusted to Guglielmo Ferro, who has already directed this play in a previous edition and has Geppy Gleijeses, Maurizio Micheli and Lucia Poli as main performers.

Photo credits: courtesy of Quirino Theater official site