‘The Accidental Death of an Anarchist’ opens tonight

PORT TOWNSEND — Port Townsend High School students will perform an Italian satire, “The Accidental Death of an Anarchist,” throughout November.

The show opens tonight at 7 in the auditorium of the high school, 1500 Van Ness St.

Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for seniors and students, and $3 for children younger than 12.

ADVERTISEMENT
0 seconds of 0 secondsVolume 0%
Press shift question mark to access a list of keyboard shortcuts
00:00
00:00
00:00
 

Performances continue at 7 p.m. this Saturday, 2:30 p.m. this Sunday and 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 17, and Saturday, Nov. 18.

The play is a farce based on the real-life events surrounding Italian railway man and anarchist Giuseppe Pinelli, who fell — or was thrown — to his death from the fourth-floor window of a Milan police station in 1969.

Pinelli was accused of bombing a bank but was later cleared of the charge. The government said Pinelli fell by accident, though widespread public outcry objected.

Dario Fo wrote, directed and starred in the original production in Italy, which opened soon after the incident and played to packed houses for weeks. The show continued amid bomb threats and police intimidation.

Considered a classic of 20th-century theater, it has been performed across the world in more than 40 countries. It is the most internationally recognized play by Fo, who received the 1997 Nobel Prize in Literature. Director Jennifer Nielsen said she chose the play for its comedy and relevance.

“Great literature is always relevant, and there are certainly connections one can make to our current political situation,” Nielsen said.

In the play, the police superintendent and inspector, who interrogated the anarchist when he “jumped,” await the investigating judge’s arrival. However, a lunatic escapes and impersonates the judge.

In the Port Townsend High School production, Cece Nielsen will play the maniac and newcomer, and Jackson Wilke will portray the police superintendent and former concentration camp commandant.

Kegean Nordstrom will play the role of Pissani, chief investigator, and Max Stewart will play the bumbling Constable.

Inspector Bertozzo, the department’s bomb and ballistics expert, will be played by Jim Guthrie, a former PTHS teacher who also coordinated set construction.

An inquisitive newspaper reporter, Maria Feletti, will be played by Katherine Eldridge.

More in Entertainment

Carey to play at Rainshadow Recording on Sunday

Edie Carey will perform at 7:30 p.m. Sunday. The… Continue reading

Phil Carrico’s prints will be on display at the Port Townsend Gallery throughout April.
Multiple venues set for First Saturday Art Walk

Gallery-9, the Museum of Art + History, the Port… Continue reading

Port Townsend artist Elissa Greisz will show her work in “A Closer Look,” the new show at Northwind Art’s Jeanette Best Gallery. (Northwind Art)
Two exhibits open at Northwind Art gallery in Port Townsend

Two conversations are filling Northwind Art’s Jeanette Best Gallery… Continue reading

Jeannine Chappell’s abstract piece, “News of the Universe,” will be on display at Blue Whole Gallery throughout April.
Sequim to host First Friday Art Walk

The First Friday Art Walk will celebrate with a pink-themed… Continue reading

The Community Chorus will perform the works of Shawn Kirchner this weekend.
Community Chorus to present concerts across Peninsula

The Community Chorus of Port Townsend and East Jefferson… Continue reading

Deadwood Revival — Kim Trenerry and Jason Mogi — will bring their music to Field Arts & Events Hall on Saturday. (Eric Neurath)
Deadwood Revival to step onto Field Hall stage Saturday

There is no substitute for chemistry. Kim Trenerry and… Continue reading

David Moskowitz will speak at the Conservation Breakfast on Saturday morning.
Land Trust’s conservation breakfast set for Saturday

Wildlife tracker David Moskowitz will speak during the North… Continue reading

Jewelry by Jolie Maki will be on display throughout April.
Port Ludlow Art League to host reception for new exhibit

The Port Ludlow Art League will host a reception… Continue reading

Visual storyteller to host lecture at Studium Generale East

Studium Generale East will present “Meet Gabe Lelyveld” at… Continue reading

Salish Sea Early Music Festival performance Sunday

The Port Townsend Salish Sea Early Music Festival will… Continue reading

Peter Harrison with Southern Royal Albatross on Campbell Island, New Zealand. (Photo credit Shirley Metz) 
Seabird expert speaking at Fort Worden

Albatrosses largest, longest-living and best traveled birds

‘One Family in Gaza’ to be performed Sunday

There will be a performance of “One Family in… Continue reading