Genoa’s Teatro Nazionale will kick off its 2024‑25 season on October 8 with a landmark staging of Orlando Furioso performed entirely by women. The production, directed by Davide Livermore, marks a bold reinterpretation of the classic epic, placing female voices at the heart of a story traditionally dominated by male protagonists.
Women take center stage
All principal roles, from the heroic Orlando to the sorceress Alcina, are portrayed by a talented ensemble of actresses who bring fresh emotional depth to the centuries‑old narrative. Their collective effort underscores a growing movement in Italian theatre to broaden representation and challenge historic gender norms on stage.
Livermore’s vision
Director Davide Livermore, known for his inventive approaches to classic works, conceived the all‑female cast as a way to explore the universal themes of love, honor, and madness through a new lens. By re‑imagining the characters’ relationships and motivations, Livermore aims to resonate with contemporary audiences while preserving the poetic vigor of Ariosto’s verse.
The season opening promises not only artistic innovation but also a community conversation about inclusion in the performing arts. As the curtain rises on October 8, the Teatro Nazionale invites audiences to experience a celebrated masterpiece reborn through the power and perspective of its female performers.