Giorgio Strehler

Giorgio Strehler (14 August 1921 – 25 December 1997) was an Italian stage director, theatre practitioner, actor, and politician. He was one of the most important figures in Italian theatre during his lifetime. Mel Gussow called him "the grand master of Italian theater" and "one of the world's boldest and most innovative directors."

Strehler co-founded Italy's first and most significant repertory company, the Piccolo Teatro of Milan, and also helped create the Union of the Theatres of Europe. The Teatro Strehler theatre in Milan is named after him in honor of his contributions to the arts.

In addition to his work in theatre, Strehler was involved in politics. With the Italian Socialist Party, he served as a Member of the European Parliament between 1983 and 1984, representing North-West Italy. Later, he switched to the Independent Left and served as a Senator from 1987 to 1992, representing Lombardy.

Biography

Giorgio Strehler was born in Barcola, Trieste. When he was just three, his father passed away, and his grandfather became like a father to him. His grandfather was a talented horn player and helped run the Teatro Comunale Giuseppe Verdi in Trieste.

At first, Strehler didn’t think much of theatre, but one hot night, he went to a theatre for cool air and saw a play by Carlo Goldoni. This changed his mind about theatre! He decided to study acting at the theatre school Accademia dei Filodrammatici.

During the war, Strehler lived in Switzerland where he directed a new play by Albert Camus. After the war, he started the Piccolo Teatro di Milano with a friend. Their first play was by Maxim Gorky, and later they performed a funny play by Goldoni that became very popular. Strehler also directed many opera shows, starting with La traviata by Giuseppe Verdi at La Scala. He believed theatre should be important and let people think, not just watch for fun.

Influences

In the 1950s, Giorgio Strehler worked closely with famous playwright Bertolt Brecht. Brecht even praised Strehler’s work, calling it full of energy and skill. Strehler also loved the plays of William Shakespeare like The Tempest and Macbeth, as well as works by Luigi Pirandello and Anton Chekhov.

Strehler helped change Italian theatre by introducing the idea of a theatre director. Before him, plays were mostly performed by traveling groups without a single director. He also supported Italian writers and helped launch the career of singer Ornella Vanoni. Though he didn’t speak much English, Strehler was honored by France and worked with theatre groups across Europe. His productions were known for their strong visual style, thanks to his work with stage designers Luciano Damiani and Ezio Frigerio.

Opera productions

Giorgio Strehler directed many famous operas in different cities. Some of his notable works include Jeanne d'Arc au Bûcher at La Scala in Milan in 1946, Lulu in Venice in 1949, and The Fiery Angel also in Venice in 1955. He also worked on operas like Simon Boccanegra by Verdi, which was performed at La Scala in Milan and later at the Vienna State Opera in 1984.

Strehler’s productions were seen in famous venues such as the Salzburg Festival and the Piccolo Teatro in Milan. His last production was Così fan tutte by Mozart at the Piccolo Teatro in Milan in 1998.

Theatre productions

Giorgio Strehler directed many famous plays throughout his career. Some of his notable productions include Richard II, Julius Caesar, and Coriolanus by Shakespeare, as well as The Cherry Orchard by Chekhov and The House of Bernarda Alba by García Lorca. He also worked on plays by Pirandello and Bertolt Brecht, bringing classic and modern works to life on stage.

Strehler's influence extended beyond Italy, with performances in Paris and Vienna. In 2005, a road in Trieste was named in his honor to remember his contributions to theatre.

Europe Theatre Prize

In 1990, Giorgio Strehler received the Europe Theatre Prize in Taormina. The award recognized his huge impact on European theatre after World War II. As a director, he also guided, acted, wrote, and taught, creating a strong connection between theatre and everyday life. His work helped build new ways for theatre across Europe.

Honours

Giorgio Strehler received an honorary degree from the University of Pavia in 1992.