In the heart of Tricase, the Scuderie di Palazzo Gallone opens its doors to a profound theatrical encounter with Shakespeare's tragic king. Re Lear - Atto Unico strips away the epic sprawl of the original and distills it into a concentrated, visceral experience. The historic stables become a chamber where madness, loyalty, and betrayal collide in the hands of two compelling performers.
An Intimate Confrontation with Lear's Madness
Salvatore Cezza and Antonio Sparascio have reimagined the Bard's tragedy as a taut, single-act dialogue that brings the audience face-to-face with power's disintegration. The intimacy of the venue—once home to noble horses, now a cultural crossroads—creates an almost claustrophobic intensity. You're not watching from a distance; you're a witness in the room where a kingdom crumbles.
The stripped-back staging allows the text and the actors' physicality to dominate. Every gesture, every inflection reverberates against the stone walls, turning the performance into something more akin to ritual than spectacle.
The Palazzo Gallone: Where History Meets Performance
The Scuderie themselves carry centuries of memory. These arched chambers have watched Tricase evolve from a feudal stronghold to a vibrant town where tradition and culture intertwine. The palazzo's architecture—robust yet elegant—provides a backdrop that echoes the play's themes of fallen grandeur.
Before or after the performance, wander the narrow streets of Tricase's historic center. The town's understated beauty and the proximity to the Adriatic coast make it an ideal stop for those exploring the deep south of Puglia.
What Makes This Production Unforgettable
This isn't Shakespeare as a museum piece. Cezza and Sparascio have crafted a version that pulses with contemporary urgency, addressing timeless questions of authority, family, and identity. The singular focus on a single act means every line lands with purpose.
- Raw emotional intensity that fills the intimate space
- Innovative directorial choices that honor Shakespeare while speaking to modern audiences
- The atmospheric setting of the historic stables, where every sound becomes part of the drama
- A chance to see two acclaimed Puglian performers at the peak of their craft
- An accessible entry point for those new to Shakespeare, without sacrificing depth
Whether you're a theatre devotee or simply curious about live performance in an extraordinary setting, this production rewards attention. Arrive early to soak in the venue's atmosphere, and linger afterward—Tricase by night has a quiet magic all its own.