A Mantuan Fabric Shop: More than Meets the Eye

set against the backdrop of nazi-occupied Northern italy in 1943, The Shop Under the porch tells the story of Renata Baraldi, affectionately known as “Tata,” who ostensibly takes over a fabric shop in Mantua. However, this seemingly ordinary transaction is, in reality, an act of profound protection and bravery. Staged at the Italian Culture Institute of New York on March 31st, the play delves into the moral ambiguities of wartime, exploring themes of courage, responsibility, and the enduring power of hope.

Subtle Storytelling: Unveiling Moral Complexity

The narrative unfolds with a delicate touch, eschewing simplistic portrayals of good versus evil. Instead, the play focuses on the nuances of human behavior, revealing the internal conflicts and difficult choices faced by individuals caught in extraordinary circumstances. The characters,speaking in both Italian and English,navigate a landscape of suspicion and fear,where even the smallest actions carry important weight.

Ashley Brown embodies Tata, a woman who offers sanctuary but grapples with the full implications of her actions. Nathaniel Hackmann portrays Luca, a war-torn soldier seeking solace and a path to recovery.Their interactions, along with the supporting cast, create a rich tapestry of human experience.

The play also features Everett Sobers as Pino, a young man swayed by fascist ideology, and Joy Hermalyn as Beatrice, Tata’s mother, who communicates through gestures in her silence. Drew Seigla and Lucy Anders play leone and Rachele, the parents of Davide, who entrust their shop to Tata as they attempt to flee to switzerland. This diverse cast of characters highlights the spectrum of responses to oppression, from betrayal to resistance.

Music as a Parallel Narrative

Interwoven with the dialog is a tapestry of music, featuring both traditional Italian songs and original compositions. these musical interludes serve as a parallel narrative, amplifying the emotional resonance of the story and providing a glimpse into the collective consciousness of the time. Even the iconic resistance anthem, Bella Ciao, makes an appearance, whispered rather than sung, underscoring the weariness and loss that permeate the atmosphere.

A Timeless Question: What Would You Do?

Cristina and Robert Farruggia, the creators of The Shop Under the Porch, emphasize that their intention was not merely to recreate a past event but to provoke reflection on contemporary issues. They pose a crucial question to the audience: What would we have done than, and what would we do today? This question resonates deeply in a world where individual responsibility and moral courage remain essential in the face of injustice.

Our intention was not to faithfully reconstruct a historical context,but to get closer to the present through the past. Ask us – and ask the public – what we would have done, what we would do today. How freedom is there, again, for small acts of individual responsibility.

Cristina and Robert Farruggia, Creators of “the Shop Under the Porch”

The play avoids simplistic moralizing, presenting characters with flaws and vulnerabilities. Even Tata, the seemingly steadfast protagonist, is shown to have moments of doubt and uncertainty. This nuanced portrayal underscores the complexity of moral decision-making in times of crisis.

Symbolism and hope: Lotus flowers in the Lake

The play concludes with a powerful image: lotus flowers blooming in a lake. This symbol, while simple, is far from naive. It represents the enduring possibility of renewal and the unwavering belief that even in the darkest of times, hope can still take root and flourish.The lotus flower, often associated with purity, love, and rebirth, serves as a potent reminder of the resilience of the human spirit.