The Roman theater scene is enriched with a new pearl: “Esterino”, the comedy written by Marco Rinaldi and directed by Paolo Vanacore, which makes its world premiere at the Teatro 7 Off in Rome from 2 to 12 May. This play stands out for its irreverent and humorous approach to the world of psychoanalysis, a theme that Rinaldi had already successfully explored in his previous work, “The Great Grabski”.
The plot unfolds through the vicissitudes of Esterino, an eight-year-old boy with a curious spirit and implacable logic, who puts adults in difficulty with his incessant questions. The death of his beloved Grandfather Lello pushes him into an adventure between dream and reality, in an attempt to keep the bond with his grandfather alive through dreamlike encounters that lead him to challenge the boundaries of the afterlife.
Between reality and fantasy: the Esterino stage
The comedy cleverly plays on the border between the real and the imaginary, taking the audience into a whirlwind of laughter and moments of tenderness. The scenarios created by Alessandro Chiti and the original music by Alessandro Panatteri accompany the audience in this exploration of childhood psychological dynamics. Camilla Piccioni’s lighting direction and Manuela Giusto’s graphic design further enrich the visual and emotional experience of the show.
The dynamic between Esterino and Doctor Bellachioma, a psychologist of dubious competence, offers a merciless satire of psychoanalysis, with dialogues that oscillate between childish naivety and adult criticism. The confrontation between the Grandfather in Esterino’s dreams and the therapist becomes a symbolic battleground, where the child tries to maintain control of his emotional reality.
Final reflections: the deeper meaning of “Esterino”
In “Esterino,” Marco Rinaldi creates not only an entertaining play but also a profound commentary on childhood resilience in the face of emotional losses and the complexities of growing up. The show leaves the audience with a reflection on the ability of children to tackle adult themes with a freshness that often eludes adults themselves.
The final interaction between Esterino and Grandfather, rich in symbolism and emotion, closes the play on a note of sweet melancholy, leaving spectators with a sense of hope and the certainty that magic, sometimes, can become reality.
Useful information
Shows will be held Thursday through Saturday at 9pm and Sunday at 6pm. Tickets cost €24.00 for full price and €18.00 for reduced price. For further information and reservations, you can contact the Teatro 7 Off on 06.925.99.854. The address of the theater is via Monte Senario, 81a, 00141 Rome.
