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Pene, Sofferenze Del Mondo Contemporaneo

 
Richard Beck Review by Richard Beck 4 Published: 30 Oct 2025 Via San Lorenzo 4 Show Dates: 23 Oct 2025-26 Oct 2025

The essential elements of good theatre come together in Luigi Orfeo’s Pene, Sofferenze del Mondo Contemporaneo at Fringe Catania Off, which he co-directs tightly with Roberta Calia. The obvious translation of the title, Pains, Sufferings of the Contemporary World, loses the Italian pun in which the plural pene also means “penises” or, colloquially, “dicks”.

A provocative production that reflects on mentality, masculinity and power.

Focusing entirely on the male of the species, this neatly structured solo work consists of five vignettes exploring different aspects of the male psyche, framed by a prologue and an epilogue. As the lights come up on Luigi Orfeo’s dramatically dim stage, we see the contorted, naked figure of Stefano Sartore. He resembles the muscular depictions of St Sebastian before the arrows pierce his body. Pain and suffering are incarnate against a vivid, blood-red wall.

He tells us that scientific studies from the University of Wisconsin prove “that the world is beautiful but humanity is shit”, and references Cain and Abel to show that the “genesis of humankind is disgusting” – that we have inflicted pain on one another since the dawn of time. And the source of all this? The “dick”. “The dick is not only that proboscis part of the body, it’s a way of thinking, it’s an attitude.” He offers several examples before the prologue ends.

Thereafter, wearing costumes carefully devised by designer Augusta Tibaldeschi, we meet a succession of characters embodying contrasting aspects of masculinity. First comes a gruff, deep-voiced man with fascist leanings, irritably finishing a game of solitaire. He explains that just as he cannot turn a king into a knight, so the natural order of things cannot be changed – that there is a place for everyone and everything. He laments the fluidity of the modern world.

He is followed by a racist killer pleading his innocence, and, in stark contrast, a loving father nursing his baby daughter after being abandoned by his wife. Then comes an elderly gay man who, having little to do with women, reminisces, indulges his memories and offers his perspective on life. Finally, we meet a man dealing with noisy neighbours while recounting the horrors of war.

The piece ends where it began – back at the University of Wisconsin – with the thought that perhaps we should start all over again, but in a different world, one without the supremacy of the “dick”. “And this time, from the Garden of Eden, let’s try not to get ourselves expelled.”

It’s a provocative production that reflects on mentality, masculinity and power, in which Sartore creates strong, credible and gripping characters who bear the burdens of life. Their maleness has shaped the contemporary world – if not on a grand scale, then certainly in their perceptions and their effects on others.

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The Blurb:

A satirical and provocative show that reflects on mentalities, masculinity, and power. Thinking with your penis isn't about sex, but about a culture that influences everyone.