(4 January 2017) “Pirandello 150” is a year-long festival engaging all of New York to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Pirandello’s birth organised by the newly established Helluva Theatre Company. From 13 to 19 of January, Film Forum and “Pirandello 150” with the support of the Italian Cultural Institute and Cinecittà Luce promotes an overview devoted to the Nobel Laureate for Literature. In addition to the festival, other events include single-act comedies, theatre productions, readings, discussions, podcasts, and seminars. According to the ICI website, Pirandello has become a must-see for theatre all over the world because of his profound themes such as illusion and identity, with actors who break down the ‘barrier’ between the stage and the public by openly commenting the play in which they are performing. Furthermore, in his short stories and novels, Pirandello evokes the imagery, sounds, aromas, and flavours of his native Sicily. His influences alone made him one of the principal playwright of the 20th century. He was recognised as such by Sartre, Camus, Beckett, Ionesco, Edward Albee, Arthur Miller, and Thornton Wilder, along with contemporary playwrights influenced by them. (Red)
