Guest: Upside Down

The project began as an original production inspired by the reality of Europe in the first half of the 20th century, as seen through the eyes of the Italian fascist dictator Benito Mussolini. At the same time, however, it also reveals a lesser-known perspective—that of Claretta Petacci, his mistress, who, like a large part of Italian society at the time, admired Mussolini uncritically.

Drawing primarily on facts presented in the book by British historian Christopher Hibbert *Mussolini: The Rise and Fall of the Duce*, the production explores in greater depth the connections between a child’s microcosm and the broader social context, as well as parallels between Europe of the past and the present.

The production is suitable for audiences aged 15 and older. The performance will be presented in Czech.

Text and Direction: Daša Belková

Dramaturgy: Eliška Halodová

Set design, costumes, and music: Karolína Balážová

Cast:

Jan Karola as Benito Mussolini

Magdaléna Blažková as Claretta Petacci

Matyáš Walder as Giuseppina Petacci (and also the Salesian, Hans, the Russian student, Filippo, the first fascist, grain–horse–puma)

Thea Votavová as Alessandro Mussolini (and also a Polish student, the second fascist, a photographer, the third fascist, and a priest)

You can reserve tickets using the reservation form: https://forms.gle/ZECnk8sKsWUytWZN6

This production was created with financial support from the DILIA Theater Grant and generous supporters from Donia.