On Friday, June 17, Padua’s Palazzo della Ragione sets the stage for the theatrical performance.of Kohlhaas by Marco Baliani and Remo Rostagno directed by Maria Maglietta.
Marco Baliani’s narration of Kohlhaas outlines true events that occurred in Germany in the 16th century taken from the novella entitled Michael Kohlhaas written by Heinrich von Kleist.
The narration adds to the skeleton of Kleist’s novella by adding a complex set of nerves, muscles, and skin that no longer derives from the original author but rather speaks through the theatrical and narrative experience of the actor and author’s visions and poetic verse.
Kohlhaas is the story of an ambush. An ambush that is not resolved through traditional ways of justice and law, but one that generates a series of violent events. What occurs in the name of justice becomes a complicated entanglement as the protagonist is then led to his execution, but not before some form of justice is served, leaving behind an ambiguous aura that propels him as a hero of his time.
A classically found tragedy that asks the audience important moral questions that are as relevant today as throughout human history.
Since the theme of justice is at the centre of the narration, selecting Palazzo della Ragione for the venue adds to the performance, the building holds a profoundly symbolic value as this is where the enforcement and administrative activities of justice took Padua during the Middle Ages.
The performance is part of the schedule of events celebrating the 800th anniversary of the University of Padua.
To participate, registration is required.
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