Warm applause, last night, at Modena Theater in Genoa for the Italian premiere of “Victor’s Journey” by Nicolas Bedos, a production of National Theater of Genoa (with the Teatro di Napoli) signed by Davide Livermore. A show (photo Federico Pitto) with a strong visual and emotional impact, created with extreme refinement.
“Victor’s journey” involves two characters on stage: a man who has lost his memory in an accident and is looking for himself and a woman whose identity will gradually be discovered in a crescendo of tension that will lead to a very painful truth for both. It is therefore a journey into the human mind with glimpses of memories that emerge here and there, immediately afterwards canceled by an impending fog. Livermore talks about what he defined in the press conference as a “Requiem” with an original and winning visual choice. A large inclined mirror placed at the back of the almost bare stage offers the audience two contemporary views of the actors and the scene itself.
We see Victor and the woman in front in flesh and blood and reflections from behind in an introspective analysis which in some moments, thanks to a skilful use of lights, allows for an even silent theatrical narration: this happens for example in a sort of central pantomime with the two performers who “dance” on stage to music (always a fundamental element in Livermore’s productions) which guarantees a “continuum” of undoubted beauty. The acting is extremely variable in tones and dynamics with sudden outbursts and ignitions that the suddenly red lights make incandescent. Of great poetry is the scene in which the two actors lying on the ground are projected by the mirror into a bed and embrace their son: there Bach’s music increases the sense of desperation, of dream, of love.
The two actors are very good. Linda Gennari and Antonio Zavatteri form an impeccable couple, they guarantee a perfect rhythm, they provide the characters with flexible voices and engaging physicality. Diego Cerami is also with them in the bed scene. The stage clothes are by Giorgio Armani, the scene is designed by Livermore and Lorenzo Russo Rainaldi. Video maker D-Work and assistant director Carlo Sciaccaluga. Also worth mentioning is the beautiful translation of the text created by Monica Capuani.
