Dreams and Delusions in ‘Inner Voices’
At London’s Barbican Theatre, the performance of Eduardo De Filippo’s “Inner Voices” (Le voci di Dentro) captivated the audience with a brilliantly executed exploration of the comedic subtleties within human behavior.
This 1948 play unfolds like a whimsical urban ‘Midsummer Night’s Dream,’ where dreams lead to misunderstandings, blurring the line between reality and the ludicrous.
The Storyline of “Inner Voices”
The narrative begins with Maria, the Chimmaruta’s maid, who falls asleep instead of working and shares her ridiculous dream:
- As the story progresses, a more grave twist ensues when the elderly Saporito brothers, who are uncanny look-alikes of the Servillo siblings, enter from the neighboring flat. Alberto believes his neighbors have committed a murder, leading to numerous mix-ups, a string of comic mishaps, and even the involvement of the police;
- While the situation is far from humorous, the play brims with wit. From dream-induced clothing dilemmas to the absurdity of moving furniture conversations—the characters’ antics provoke laughter and introspection. Alberto’s misplaced conviction of a hidden body triggers a domino effect of suspicion among the Chimmarutas, culminating in a hilarious examination of the follies of life in close quarters.
- As the plot thickens, a dying uncle who communicates only through fireworks adds another layer of absurdity. The supposed corpse eventually reappears, revealing the play’s underlying intention to highlight the folly of human interactions, especially among those living in close proximity;
- This rendition of “Inner Voices” distinguishes itself from previous English adaptations of De Filippo’s works with its minimalist staging, emphasizing the characters’ behavior;
- Set against a mute wall with minimal decor, reminiscent of iconic productions like Peter Hall’s “Wars of the Roses” and Peter Brook’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” the focus is squarely on the characters who masterfully walk the fine line between humor and gravity in everyday human actions.
The recurring theme of dreams serves as a symbolic thread weaving the narrative together, from Maria’s initial slumber to the brothers’ drowsiness in the finale.
Brief Information on “Inner Voices”
Barbican’s “Inner Voices” is a theatrical production by the Italian theatre company Compagnia Eduardo De Filippo. It’s a fresh adaptation of Eduardo De Filippo’s 1948 play “Inner Voices,” which depicts a group of Neapolitan apartment dwellers driven to madness by the incessant noises of their neighbors.
Directed by Toni Servillo, who also plays the lead role of Eduardo, the neurotic neighbor uncovering everyone’s dark sides. The play features other renowned Italian actors, including Peppe Servillo and Marina Confalone.
- Theater Company: Eduardo De Filippo’s Troupe;
- Director: Tony Servillo;
- Venue: Barbican Centre, London;
- Performance Dates: October 2023;
- Genre: Dark Comedy, Drama;
- Themes: Madness, Seclusion, Human Connections.
Critics’ Review:
- The Guardian: “A masterpiece”;
- The Independent: “Among the finest plays I have ever seen”;
- Financial Times: “A commanding and disquieting production”.
Cast:
- Maria: Chiara Buffi;
- Rosa Cimmaruta: Betty Pedrazzi;
- Michele: Marcello Romola;
- Carlo Saporito: Pepe Servillo;
- Alberto Saporito: Tony Servillo;
- Pasquale Cimmaruta: Gigi Morra;
- Matilde Cimmaruta: Lucia Mandarini;
- Luigi Cimmaruta: Vincenzo Nemolato;
- Elvira Cimmaruta: Marianna Robustelli;
- Officer: Antonello Cassia;
- Uncle Nicola: Dagi Rondanini;
- Capa d’Angelo: Rocco Giordano;
- Teresa Amitrano: Maria Robustelli;
- Aniello Amitrano: Francesco Palino.
Creative Team:
- Director: Tony Servillo;
- Set Designer: Lino Fiorito;
- Lighting: Cesare Accetta;
- Sound: Dagi Rondanini;
- Costume: Ortensia De Francesco;
- Assistant Director: Costanza Boccardi.
The production of “Inner Voices” was staged at London’s Barbican Centre in October 2023, earning high praise from critics, with a reviewer from The Guardian describing it as “a masterpiece” and “one of the best plays I have ever witnessed”.
Conclusion
“Inner Voices” at the Barbican Theatre takes audiences on an astonishing exploration of the quirks and absurdities of human existence. Eduardo De Filippo’s brilliant study of dreams, misunderstandings, and the follies of life in close quarters comes to life through expert performances and minimalist stage design.
This rendition bears witness to the timeless relevance of the 1948 play, reminding us that the complexities of human behavior remain a rich source of both entertainment and contemplation. Don’t miss this comedic gem that will make you ponder the internal dialogues that shape our existence.