by InTrieste
On the evening of June 21, the historic port city of Trieste will once again echo with the poignant strains of “The Song of the Bad War.” This evocative theatrical production, celebrating its encore at Magazzino 26, offers free admission and promises to transport audiences to the harrowing days of World War I. The following night, the performance will move to Gorizia, extending its emotional reach.
A Tapestry of War and Solidarity
Crafted by the renowned playwright Edda Vidiz, “The Song of the Bad War” weaves a rich tapestry of war, heroism, sacrifice, and the indomitable human spirit. The narrative spans from the Eastern Front in Galicia to the embattled streets of Gorizia, vividly portraying the experiences of infantrymen. This production blends history and reenactment with a potent mix of music and storytelling, creating a deeply immersive experience.
A Historical Panorama
Presented as part of the “A Light Always On” series, organized by the Municipality of Trieste and supported by the Friuli Venezia Giulia Region in collaboration with Collettivo Terzo Teatro APS, the production first captivated audiences in 2013. Since then, it has garnered acclaim at venues such as the Auditorium of the Revoltella Museum and the Miela Theater, earning the Best Show Award at the “Ave Ninchi International Festival.”
A Century-Old Conflict Revisited
The narrative revisits the Great War, a conflict that reshaped nations and left an indelible mark on Trieste, then under Habsburg rule. With sensitivity and respect, the play presents the perspectives of both Triestine soldiers serving the Imperial Royal government and irredentist fighters aligned with the House of Savoy. Rather than dwelling on the darkness of war, the production highlights the camaraderie and solidarity that flourished amidst the trenches’ mud and misery.
Musical Echoes of the Past
Integral to the production are the period songs that, despite their themes of fear, nostalgia, and sorrow, provided solace to soldiers and reminded them of their shared humanity. The first act, set on the Eastern Front, features dialogues in dialect and snippets of German, Slovenian, and Russian, reflecting the diverse linguistic landscape of the Austro-Hungarian troops. The second act shifts to the Italian Front, where the voices of Kingdom of Italy’s infantrymen resonate with the dialectal accents of various regions.
A Resilient Creative Ensemble
Under the direction of Julian Sgherla, the production boasts a talented cast, including Riccardo Beltrame, Alessandro Colombo, Myriam Cosotti, Ennio Ficiur, Leonardo Zannier, Ernesto Giurgevich, and Paolo Prelog. The hauntingly beautiful original music, composed by Corrado Gulin (piano) and Piero Zanon (violin), complements the evocative scenic movements choreographed by Carolina Bagnati.
A Festival Celebrating Trieste’s Heritage
“The Song of the Bad War” forms a key part of the “Where the Adriatic is Born” festival, an initiative by the Association Tredici Casade APS. The festival aims to spotlight the rich dialectal and cultural history of Trieste. The association, noted for its historical dissemination, continues to celebrate and explore the city’s storied past through meticulously curated events.
As Trieste commemorates 110 years since the outset of World War I, “The Song of the Bad War” stands as a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity. This theatrical homage invites reflection on a pivotal era that continues to resonate in the collective memory of this vibrant Adriatic city.
