A Theatrical Journey Through Family History

Actor Maurizio Casali brings his deeply personal story, Mo I pull to you!, to the stage. The play,adapted from his book of the same name,explores the lives of his father and grandfather during a tumultuous period in Romagna’s history. Performances are scheduled across the region, including Faenza, bagnacavallo and Cervia.

Two Generations, One Struggle: Anti-Fascism in Romagna

The narrative weaves together the experiences of two men: Domenico, born in 1899, and Sergio, born in 1924. Both staunch anti-fascists, their approaches to resistance differed substantially. Domenico focused on survival while upholding his principles, whereas Sergio actively joined the partisan movement. Their stories offer a glimpse into the diverse ways individuals confronted fascism during the early to mid-20th century.

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The Genesis of a Story: From Family Tales to the Stage

Casali’s inspiration stemmed from the vivid recollections of his father, Sergio, a partisan in the renowned 28th Garibaldi Brigade, and his maternal grandfather, domenico. these stories, initially shared as childhood adventures, ignited Casali’s passion for storytelling and theater. He recalls how his mother would sometimes intervene, noting the emotional toll these memories took on his father.

Preserving Memory: A Timely Reminder

Casali emphasizes the importance of remembering the past,particularly as the generation that directly experienced World War II and the Resistance dwindles.He notes that while partisans once regularly visited schools to share their experiences,this is no longer the case. Mo I pull to you! serves as a vital tool for keeping these memories alive and educating audiences about fascism and the resistance through intimate, personal narratives.

The Meaning Behind the Title

The play’s title, Mo I pull to you! (translated roughly as Now I’m shooting at you!), originates from an anecdote shared by Casali’s father.While riding his bicycle, oblivious to the danger, Sergio narrowly escaped being shot after hearing someone yell this warning.This near-death experience, coupled with the young man’s apparent naiveté, resonated deeply with Casali, symbolizing the precariousness of life and the constant threat of violence. it highlights the importance of recognizing danger and striving for peace.

The Power of Personal narratives

Casali believes that personal stories possess a unique ability to connect with audiences on a profound level. While documentaries excel at presenting facts and figures, personal narratives offer emotional depth and relatable experiences, making history more accessible and impactful.This approach aligns with current trends in ancient storytelling, which increasingly emphasize individual perspectives to create a more nuanced understanding of the past. For exmaple, oral history projects have become increasingly popular, capturing the lived experiences of ordinary people during significant historical events.