I.F.F. USA Metro Detroit presents Mario Pirovano in 'Francis the Holy Jester'

Posted: Oct. 14, 2012 at 9:25 p.m.

ANN ARBOR and DETROIT - The Italian Film Festival USA Metro Detroit proudly presents the Detroit premiere of Dario Fo's "Lu Santu Jullare Francesco" or "Francis the Holy Jester" performed in English by Mario Pirovano.

Italy's most important living playwright and 1997 Nobel Prize winner shows us, through the charismatic acting of Pirovano, some remarkable episodes from the life of one of the world's best-loved saints.

"Francis the Holy Jester" is a celebration of life, liberty, truth and devotion. The story of St. Francis of Assisi, the tale brings together courtiers, popes, cardinals, generals, peasants, saints and sinners and Jesus himself in a great pageant of characters brought to life through a remarkable performance that sparks the imagination and delights the soul.

Since 1983, Pirovano has taken part in all the works produced by Dario Fo and Franca Rame either as an actor or as assistant producer, stage director or simultaneous translator. His work with the company and as a solo artist has taken him all over the world, including performances in Brazil, Latin America, France, the United Kingdom, China, Australia and the USA.

The 90-minute performance is scheduled for 8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 16 at the University of Michigan, Helmut Stern Auditorium, located at the U of M Museum of Art (UMMA), 525 S. State St., Ann Arbor 48109, and 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 19 at Wayne State University, General Lectures 150 Auditorium, 5045 Anthony Wayne, Detroit 48202.

Support the Film Festival and its 2013 edition by being a part of this fundraising event by purchasing tickets on-line at www.italianfilmfests.org (you can pay through the PayPal portal under the menu "Be a Sponsor") or by calling 248-930-6017. Tickets are $25 for adults and $10 for students and children. No tickets will be sold at the door.