Dario Fo

Joseph Farrell (University of Strathclyde)

Ed. by Jo Ann Cavallo, Columbia University
The Literary Encyclopedia. Volume 1.6.1: Italian Writing and Culture, 453-present.
Vol. editors: Carla Bregman (Independent Scholar - North America), Jo Ann Cavallo (Columbia University)

Dates

Born 26 Mar 1926
Died 16 Oct 2016
Activity 1953-2016

Places

Born in Italy
Active in Italy

Activities

Primary

Playwright / Dramatist
Theatre Producer

Resources

In the official citation explaining the decision to award the 1997 Nobel Prize for Literature to Dario Fo, the Swedish Royal Academy stated that he had “emulated the jesters of the Middle Ages in scourging authority and upholding the dignity of the downtrodden”. It went on to add that “with a blend of laughter and gravity, he opens our eyes to abuses and injustices in society … Fo is an extremely serious satirist”.

The statement identifies the central paradox in the achievements of a writer-performer who is an altogether more complex figure than has been appreciated by either admirers or critics. Fo has been applauded, or execrated, as Europe’s finest political dramatist since Bertolt Brecht. He is a playwright …

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2674 words

Citation: Farrell, Joseph. "Dario Fo". The Literary Encyclopedia. First published 24 February 2010 [https://staging.litencyc.com/php/speople.php?rec=true&UID=1573, accessed 21 November 2024.]

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