Episode Details
Back to EpisodesDario Fo: The Life and Works of a Holy Jester
Description
This biography chronicles the life of Dario Fo, an influential Italian playwright, performer, and political activist who received the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1997. The text details his early years, including his controversial military service during World War II and his subsequent rise in the arts alongside his wife and collaborator, Franca Rame. Known for using satirical comedy and medieval performance styles to challenge authority, Fo faced frequent censorship and legal battles for criticizing the government and the Church. The source catalogs his extensive body of work, such as the internationally acclaimed Accidental Death of an Anarchist, and outlines his lifelong commitment to left-wing politics. His career spanned over six decades, leaving a legacy as a champion of the working class and a master of modern theatrical farce. He remained a provocative public figure and political campaigner until his death in 2016 at the age of ninety.