(17 February 2016) A private family affairs becomes the occasion to reflect on the general desire for self-realization, in a show that pays tribute to traditional Italian varietà: comic sketches, songs, dances and a lot of irony. These are the ingredients of Ippolita Baldini’s show, which takes the stage of the Italian Cultural Institute on March 2nd. “Mia mamma è una marchesa” is a monologue by the Milanese artist, bon from the collaboration with dramaturge Emanuele Aldrovandi, and director Roberto Rustioni. The costumes are by Elisabetta Falck and light design by Camilla Brison. On stage there is Roberta: Roberta is tied to her family traditions but she wishes she could get rid of them, she loves her job but it isn’t enough, she would like to leave but she never feels at home whenever she’s gone, she falls in love but never really loves – she’s in between the person she is and the person she would like to be, even though she doesn’t know what either really mean. The play has on stage the main character delivering the monologue, and her mother who comments from afar – serving as comedic relief. The play narrates only a part of Roberta’s life, divided into 9 chapters, each with its own costumes and images – creating a different atmosphere. The show had its national premiere last year at the Teatro Ambra Garbatella in Rome, following Ippolita’s win as Best Actress in the Theater’s competition.(PO / Gil)