A man derided by all and constantly on the margins of society, decides to kill himself. He sits in an armchair next to his desk, opens a drawer and pulls out a gun. But suddenly, he falls asleep, and begins to dream of his life after death, on a planet very similar to Earth and inhabited by splendid beings not yet corrupted “by the first fall, the first sin”.
“In my life in the theatre – said Gabriele Lavia – I have adapted and staged a number of Dostoevsky’s works: A gentle creature, Notes from underground, The eternal husband and The dream of a ridiculous man. The dream has accompanied me since I was eighteen, when I read it for the first time to my closest friends. Then Gian Carlo Menotti wanted it staged at Spoleto. It was a great success, and the Teatro Eliseo called for it to be part of their season, and again it was a success. Then I took it on a long tour with one of my companies, and performed it over and over, also as a recital, with just a chair. I was asked to film it for TV, and it won first prize for best theatrical work adapted for television. I then took it for another long tour. It is the work I have staged more than any other in my life, more than Hamlet. It is certainly the most difficult play I have every performed, and I had sworn I would have never done it again... considering my age. But I couldn’t say no to the theatre that carries the name of Strehler. And so, I dug out my old straitjacket, which I never thought I would ever wear again, to dedicate this Dream to the great Maestro. But I am happy”.