Accidental Death of an Anarchist (Dario Fo)

This section explores the play Accidental Death of an Anarchist by Dario Fo, focusing on: the structure, setting, staging, characters, themes and the historical and cultural context of the play. Accidental Death of an Anarchist is a masterful blend of farce, satire, and political commentary. Through its farcical structure, exaggerated characters, and absurd situations, Dario Fo critiques the corruption of the political and judicial systems, offering a scathing examination of the nature of authority and the manipulation of truth. By combining comedy with serious themes, Fo invites the audience to reflect on the real-world implications of political corruption, institutional failure, and the abuse of power.

Structure of the Play

Accidental Death of an Anarchist follows a farce-style structure, characterised by rapid action, mistaken identities, and absurd situations. The play unfolds in three acts, each filled with slapstick comedy and farcical elements, while subtly addressing more serious political themes.

• Act 1 sets the stage with the introduction of the Maniac, a charismatic character who manipulates others to his advantage. This act is fast-paced, laying the groundwork for the absurd events that follow.
• Act 2 is largely set within a police station, as the Maniac is brought in to convince officials of his false identity. It is during this act that the farce builds in intensity, filled with misunderstandings and comedic situations.
• Act 3 brings the climax, where the Maniac impersonates a government official, further escalating the absurdity of the situation, which ultimately exposes the corruption and incompetence of the police.

The non-linear structure and quick transitions between scenes contribute to the sense of chaos that mirrors the political instability of the time.

Setting and Staging

The play is set primarily within a police station and features a minimalist set design that reflects the confined, bureaucratic environment. The setting acts almost as a microcosm of a corrupt state, where those in power are often as ridiculous and incompetent as they are oppressive.

• The police station is depicted as a place of chaos, with constant movements of characters, doors opening and closing, and confusion ensuing—symbolising the lack of control within the political system.
• The play often breaks the fourth wall, with characters addressing the audience directly, drawing attention to the artifice of the play and reinforcing its farcical tone.

The minimalist set reflects the focus on dialogue and performance over elaborate stage design. There is an emphasis on quick, dynamic scene changes, often enhanced by slapstick comedy and physical action.

Historical and Cultural Context

The play was written in 1970 by Dario Fo, during a period of political unrest in Italy. The historical context is deeply tied to the 1960s and 1970s in Italy, when the country was rife with political turmoil, corruption, and protests. The play is a satirical response to the unstable political environment and widespread government corruption.

• The anarchist in the title refers to Pietro Valpreda, who was accused of bombing a bank in Milan in 1969, an event that stirred national outrage. However, his arrest and subsequent death in police custody raised questions about police brutality and the legitimacy of the accusations against him.
• The play critiques institutional corruption and the abuses of power by the police and the government. Fo uses farce to expose how the legal system can be a mechanism of oppression and how those in power often operate through incompetence and deception.
• Fo’s political leanings are deeply embedded in the play, as he was a committed left-wing activist. The play's satirical tone and critique of authority reflect a broader culture of resistance to the Italian establishment.

The play draws from the Commedia dell'arte tradition of Italian theatre, known for its use of stock characters and physical comedy, but it also incorporates elements of absurdist theatre.

Characters

• The Maniac (known also as the "Fool" or "Madman"): The central character, a charming and quick-witted individual with a penchant for impersonating others. He is a master manipulator, constantly changing his identity and deceiving those around him. His character embodies the farcical nature of the play and serves as a vehicle for exposing corruption within the police force.
• The Inspector: A high-ranking police officer who is depicted as bumbling, incompetent, and easily manipulated by the Maniac. His character highlights the absurdity and hypocrisy of those in power.
• The Constable: Another member of the police force, often portrayed as naïve and easily misled. He is part of the satirical commentary on police incompetence.
• The Journalist: A figure representing the press, often involved in disseminating the official narrative. He acts as a foil to the Maniac, who exposes the falsities of the media and governmental reports.
• The Prisoner (Anarchist): Represents the victims of political oppression, whose death is central to the plot. His tragic fate is satirised by the Maniac, whose manipulation of his story exposes the absurdity of the official narrative.

Each character is presented as an exaggerated stereotype, which is a hallmark of farce. The play critiques the hypocrisy and corruption of the political elite by portraying them in this exaggerated manner.

Themes

• Corruption and Abuse of Power: The primary theme of Accidental Death of an Anarchist is the corruption within political institutions, particularly the police. The play explores how those in power use their authority to cover up mistakes, maintain control, and manipulate public opinion. The Maniac’s ability to impersonate authority figures highlights the incompetence and absurdity of the system.
• Identity and Deception: The Maniac's constant impersonations underscore the theme of identity. Throughout the play, characters constantly question who they are and what is real, blurring the lines between truth and falsehood. The theme of deception is also tied to the manipulation of the media and the control of narratives by those in power.
• Satire of Bureaucracy and the Justice System: The play offers a sharp critique of bureaucratic institutions and the legal system. The police officers, politicians, and journalists are all portrayed as inept and self-serving, unable to deliver justice or truth. This theme reflects Fo’s broader criticism of institutionalised corruption and the failure of the state to act justly.
• The Absurdity of Authority: Through its farcical nature, the play highlights the absurdity of authority figures, showing that those in power are often as ridiculous as they are dangerous. The police and political authorities are shown as a comedic caricature of incompetence, reflecting Fo's belief that power structures often operate on lies and deception.
• Political Protest and the Role of the Artist: As a political play, Accidental Death of an Anarchist also explores the role of the artist in challenging and critiquing authority. Fo, through his work, sought to disrupt the status quo and encourage audiences to question the systems of power that control their lives. The play's engagement with the audience and its use of comedy as a form of protest are key aspects of its political message.