An Interview with Impresario Bruno Machiavelli

by Birdie Jaworski


Vincenzo Tortorici as Machiavelli

Florentine public servant and political theorist Niccoló Machiavelli died in 1513. Five years later, his book, "The Prince," was published. Chock full of advice on how to achieve and maintain political power, the book's methods preach war and ruthlessness. This Saturday night, a dark and humorous force will pour into the Kluge Auditorium at United World College in Montezuma. Invited by UWC Theatre Arts Instructor Tim Crofton, the great-great-great-great (give or take a few greats) grandson of Machiavelli, Bruno, will take the stage with a traditional commedia dell'arte performance on a double bill with, of all things, a puppet show.

"Machiavelli once counseled, 'keep your friends close, and your enemies closer.' We can't stand these guys. So we're giving them a special engagement," explains Crofton.

Using seven actors and four masks, the first performance, La Commedia Sprezzatura, is based on a traditional commedia scenario and examines the political underpinnings of this enduring popular performance style.

The second performance is The Prince, an adaptation of Niccoló Machiavelli's classic work — all conveyed through the magic of puppetry. The show focuses on the exploits of a particularly corrupt papal dynasty, the Borgias. This Punch-and-Judy-style adaptation highlights the political nature of traditional puppet theatre... with humor!

Machiavelli spoke with me to answer answer a few questions about his traveling show.

Birdie: Why bring your performance to Las Vegas?
Machiavelli: I miss my homeland - the mountains in the north, the plains in Tuscany. I wanted to see it all at once, so I come to Las Vegas, New Mexico.

Birdie: What can local residents expect to experience when they attend your show?
Machiavelli: They can expect the finest in traditional Italian entertainment, and they won't put on a single pound! They may even burn a few calories laughing.

Birdie: Puppets? The subject matter doesn't sound like it's for young children.
Machiavelli: All are invited to attend. The worst is we make fun of the French. The puppet show will bring out the World Soccer Cup fan in everyone, complete with a story of true love, a joyous familial reconciliation, and gratuitous puppet-on-puppet violence. The Devil himself may make an appearance!

Birdie: Who do you draw your inspiration from?
Machiavelli: I got my inspiration from my great ancestor who literally wrote the book on political power. In today's American politics, all the signatories do my papa proud. Thanks to them, I have found a way to keep Niccoló's message alive in these uncertain times.

Birdie: I hear that you will hold an open discussion at the end of your show. What's that about?
Machiavelli: Everyone is invited to discuss the themes, politics, and techniques of Machiavelli following the evening's performance. Who knows? The next great member of the current American administration may come from Las Vegas!

Birdie: silence
Machiavelli: I get that a lot.

Il Teatro Machiaveli is the creation of performer Vincenzo Tortorici. 8 p.m., Oct. 27 at Kluge Auditorium, UWC.