Neither Inspector Bertozzo (Michael Nyandieka) nor his colleague Penniston-Bird (Maria Herschbach-Bosisto) can do anything against the fast talker no matter how much they try. Even the Superintendent (Afra Morris) and the Constables (Joanna Thorn and Chris Weber) are outsmarted. The journalist (Carrie Aßheuer) is also dancing to the tune of the quick-talking professor but what are the real facts?

The play was originally written in Italian by Dario Fo, who received a Nobel Prize in Literature. In the black farce, Inspector Bertozzo goes on to check his files only to discover that the professor is not really who he claims to be. In response, the professor says, “Perhaps I am this person. But perhaps I am also crazy.” Now there is some crazy guy at the police headquarters, and the farce becomes even more entangled.

The play is based on actual events surrounding Italian political activist Giuseppe Pinelli who “fell to his death” from the window of a 4th floor police station. Suicide was ruled out in the death of Pinelli, and the case rocked Italy. It has been adapted, translated and performed in more than 40 countries.

Director of the play, Gina Kelly, said that she had first seen the play in 1984 while in her native Great Britain. Corruption scandals had been rocking the country. Today, when manipulation and corruption seem to have a role in daily politics and the media is accused of Fake News, the story is especially relevant. Kelly says, “One doesn’t know anymore what to believe.”

Performances: May 9 - 13, 8 pm at the Brotfabrik, Kreustraße 16, admission 15/10 euros, tickets can be reserved at: Bonn Players