Accidental Death Of An Anarchist Analysis

Berkeley Repertory in conjunction with the Yale Repertory Theatre is presenting a wacky production of Dario Fo's 1970 Accidental Death of an Anarchist. Steven Epp has delighted Berkeley Rep audiences in the past with Figaro, The Miser and last year's The Doctor in Spite of Himself. The comic genius has outdone himself with this off the wall version of a classic.

Dario Fo's classic parody has been around for many years and has been presented in countries all over the world in many different versions. I have to say this is the wildest version I have ever seen.

Accidental Death of an Anarchist is based on a real event that took place in Milan in 1969 when a worker believed to be an anarchist and accused of a political terrorist act was held for questioning by the police. He fell to his death from the window of the police station. Later it was determined that the man was innocent. Did the police push him to his death or was his death accidental? You may ask how can this be a slapstick comedy—it is brilliant clowning comedy worthy of a Marx Brothers treatment.

Director Christopher Bayes and comic actor Steven Epp have come up with a production of a play about police corruption that is breathtakingly funny. The two hour and twenty minute production hauls the audience down to the station for a rollicking interrogation of our culture. An investigation is undertaken with an over-the-top maniac with a gift of impersonation. He masquerades as the official sleuth sent to cut through officialdom, police exploitation and political malfeasance with astounding energy and cleverness and tells the audience "I'm a freaking insanity genius." Steven Epp plays the maniac almost like the legendary Groucho Marks would play the role.

Epp does not just...

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...ted sets show imagination, giving the audience the feel of a hot West Indies setting. Cathleen Edwards' headdresses for the gods are boldly inspired while Pamila Z. Gray's lighting fills the stage with vivid color. William Liberatore leads a joyful six-member band who bring out the best of the engaging rhythms and melodies in the high energy score. Director Robert Kelley keeps the production going at an energetic pace.

Once on this Island plays through March 30th at the Lucie Stern Theatre, 1305 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto. For tickets call 650-463-1960 or visit www.theatreworks.org. Coming up next is a hilarious spoof of The Hound of the Baskervilles adapted by Steven Canny and John Nicholson. Following this will be Sondheim's Marry Me a Little opening On June 7th. Both will play at the Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts, 500 Castro Street, Mountain View.