Naked

Synopsis

1920s Rome, amidst the tension of societal expectations and personal disgrace.

Ersilia Drei, a young woman driven to the brink by the death of a child in her care, finds herself hounded by the press and enveloped in scandal. Naked by Luigi Pirandello (also known as To Clothe the Naked) follows Ersilia as she tries to rebuild her life after a failed suicide attempt. She takes refuge with Ludovico Nota, an impoverished novelist who offers her shelter, hoping to use her tragic story as inspiration for his work. As Ersilia navigates this new living situation, she becomes the focal point of multiple viewpoints, each character attempting to manipulate or uncover the truth about her past.

Pirandello’s play masterfully intertwines themes of identity, truth, and the complex nature of human relationships. Through interactions with Nota, journalist Francesca Cantavalle, and her former lover, Ersilia’s story becomes a battleground of conflicting perceptions and narratives. The play challenges the audience to question the nature of reality and the facades people construct to protect themselves or manipulate others. Ersilia’s vulnerability and resilience highlight the thin line between truth and illusion, making her a poignant character in Pirandello’s exploration of the human psyche.