Giorgio Strehler was a towering figure in the world of theater, renowned for his innovative and deeply impactful work as a director. His contributions to the art form have left an indelible mark on European theater, and his legacy continues to inspire directors and actors alike. This article explores the life, career, and influence of Giorgio Strehler, delving into the key moments that defined his journey and the impact he had on the theatrical landscape.
Early Life and Influences
Giorgio Strehler was born on August 14, 1921, in Barcola, a small village near Trieste, Italy. His family was steeped in the arts, with his grandfather being a musician and his mother, Alberta, a talented violinist. This artistic environment played a significant role in shaping Strehler’s early interests and future career. From a young age, he was exposed to music and performance, which cultivated his passion for the arts.
Strehler’s childhood was marked by the absence of his father, who passed away when Giorgio was just two years old. Raised in a predominantly female household, he developed a sensitivity and understanding of human emotions that would later influence his work in the theater. His early exposure to music, coupled with the emotional depth of his upbringing, laid the groundwork for his future as a director.
Move to Milan and Early Career
Strehler moved to Milan with his mother during his youth, where he attended the prestigious Liceo Parini. He initially enrolled in law school at the University of Milan but soon found himself irresistibly drawn to the world of theater. His passion for the stage led him to become involved in theater as an actor, though his true calling soon emerged as a director.
It was during these formative years in Milan that Strehler met Paolo Grassi, who would become a lifelong friend and collaborator. Their meeting at a tram stop in Via Petrella marked the beginning of a partnership that would revolutionize Italian theater.
Strehler’s early career was interrupted by World War II. As Italy entered the war, Strehler sought refuge in Switzerland, where he adopted the French surname “Firmy” to avoid detection. Despite the challenges of living in exile, he continued to pursue his passion for theater. Between 1942 and 1945, he directed several plays, including T.S. Eliot’s Murder in the Cathedral, Albert Camus’s Caligula, and Thornton Wilder’s Our Town. These productions, staged in the difficult circumstances of wartime Europe, showcased Strehler’s determination and ingenuity as a director.
Founding of the Piccolo Teatro di Milano
After the war, Strehler returned to Italy with a renewed determination to dedicate himself entirely to theater. His big break came in 1947 when he, along with Paolo Grassi, founded the Piccolo Teatro della Città di Milano—the first permanent public theater in Italy. The Piccolo Teatro would become the epicenter of Strehler’s work and a beacon of cultural innovation in post-war Italy.
The Piccolo Teatro was established with the mission of making high-quality theater accessible to a broad audience. It was a response to the cultural and social needs of a country emerging from the devastation of war. The theater’s first production, L’Albergo dei Poveri (The Lower Depths) by Maksim Gorky, set the tone for what would become a long line of socially and politically conscious performances.
Strehler’s work at the Piccolo Teatro was characterized by his deep engagement with the actors and a relentless pursuit of authenticity in performance. He believed in the transformative power of theater and was dedicated to creating productions that were both intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant. His approach to directing involved a close collaboration with his actors, often engaging in intense rehearsals to extract the most truthful and powerful performances.
Theatrical Innovations and Signature Productions
Giorgio Strehler’s directorial style was marked by a unique blend of tradition and innovation. He was deeply influenced by the classical theater traditions of Europe, particularly the works of William Shakespeare, Bertolt Brecht, and Luigi Pirandello. At the same time, he was unafraid to experiment with new forms and techniques, pushing the boundaries of what theater could achieve.
One of Strehler’s most significant contributions to theater was his emphasis on the relationship between actor and audience. He believed that theater should be a communal experience, where the energy of the performance was shared between the stage and the spectators. This philosophy was evident in his productions, where he often broke the “fourth wall,” encouraging a direct and dynamic interaction between the actors and the audience.
Strehler’s production of Arlecchino, Servant of Two Masters by Carlo Goldoni became one of his most famous works. This play, which he directed for the first time in 1947, exemplified his ability to revitalize classical texts for modern audiences. Strehler’s Arlecchino was not just a play; it was a celebration of the commedia dell’arte tradition, infused with a contemporary sensibility that made it accessible and enjoyable for all.
His work was not confined to the Piccolo Teatro. Strehler also directed several operatic productions at La Scala, Milan’s renowned opera house. His staging of Verdi’s La Traviata was particularly celebrated for its emotional depth and visual splendor. Strehler’s ability to bring the same level of intensity and innovation to opera as he did to drama further solidified his reputation as a master director.
Political Involvement and Personal Life
Giorgio Strehler’s influence extended beyond the theater. He was deeply engaged in the political life of Italy, believing that art and politics were inextricably linked. His political activism was reflected in the themes of his plays, many of which addressed social and political issues head-on.
In the 1970s, Strehler entered the political arena, serving as a senator in the Italian Parliament and later as a Member of the European Parliament. He represented the Socialist Party, reflecting his commitment to social justice and his belief in the power of culture to bring about social change. Strehler’s political career, though secondary to his work in theater, was a testament to his belief that artists had a responsibility to engage with the world around them.
On a personal level, Strehler’s life was marked by several significant relationships, most notably with actresses Ornella Vanoni and Valentina Cortese. In 1973, he met German actress Andrea Jonasson, who became his muse and later, in 1984, his wife. Their partnership was both personal and professional, with Jonasson starring in many of Strehler’s productions.
Later Career and Legacy
In the final years of his career, Giorgio Strehler continued to push the boundaries of theater. In 1990, he was appointed as the director of the Théâtre de l’Europe in Paris, a position he held until his death. This role allowed him to expand his influence beyond Italy, bringing his vision of theater to a broader European audience.
Strehler’s later productions continued to be marked by the same passion and innovation that had characterized his earlier work. He remained committed to the idea that theater could be a powerful tool for social change, and he used his platform to address issues such as poverty, war, and the human condition.
His contributions to theater were recognized with numerous awards and honors, including the prestigious Legion of Honour, awarded to him by French President François Mitterrand. This recognition was a fitting tribute to a man who had dedicated his life to the pursuit of artistic excellence and social justice.
Strehler passed away on December 25, 1997, in his home in Lugano, Switzerland. His death marked the end of an era, but his legacy lives on in the countless directors, actors, and theatergoers who continue to be inspired by his work.
Conclusion: A Maestro of the Stage
Giorgio Strehler’s impact on theater is immeasurable. He was a visionary director who believed in the transformative power of theater and dedicated his life to creating works that challenged, inspired, and moved audiences. His innovations in directing, his commitment to social and political issues, and his deep understanding of the human condition have left a lasting legacy in the world of theater.
Strehler’s work continues to be performed and studied around the world, a testament to the enduring relevance of his ideas and the universality of his vision. He remains a guiding figure for those who seek to use theater as a means of exploring the complexities of human life and society.
As we look back on his life and career, it is clear that Giorgio Strehler was more than just a director—he was a maestro of the stage, a pioneer of modern theater, and a passionate advocate for the role of culture in shaping a better world.
