My theater has always been a political battle on the stage.” This is a quote from Dario Fo. When the general public is asked to name an Italian playwright, his usually comes up. He’s been produced all over the world and won the Nobel Price in literature in 1997. His plays are absurdist comedies with social themes.

Italy has always had a great theatrical tradition, it is, after all, the country of commedia dell’arte — which has inspired many, including Dario Fo. Ancient amphitheaters are still standing as witnesses of an era where spectacle was much different. Today, there are over 1000 theaters in the country.