A Level Drama and Theatre Edexcel

Accidental Death of an Anarchist: genre

Genre of 'Accidental Death of an Anarchist'

Introduction to the Genre

• Accidental Death of an Anarchist is a Political Satire that critiques corruption within the Italian government and police system.
• The play falls within the Commedia dell'arte tradition. This is an Italian form of comedy characterised by its use of masks, improvisation, physical humour, and stock characters.
• It is also an Absurdist Comedy. The play explores the absurdity of the characters' situations and their illogical behaviour.

Features and Elements

• The genre of satire allows Fo to exaggerate and humourously critique corruption in society, especially in the realms of politics and law enforcement.
• The play is relevant to an array of contemporary issues, including police brutality, corruption, and the misuse of power, adding a universal connection to audiences beyond the Italian context.
• The style of Commedia dell'arte utilised in the play utilises improvisation and comic antics to exaggerate characters and situations, making the audience aware of the satire and providing comedic relief amidst serious themes.

Underlying Themes

• Themes such as abuse of power, political corruption, and injustice are repeatedly explored throughout the play, which are key components of the genre of political satire.
• The play's absurdist tendencies are seen in its implausible scenarios, nonsensical dialogue, and incongruous behaviour from its characters. These tendencies amplify the chaotic and corrupt nature of the system being critiqued.
• The principle of Accidental Death of An Anarchist is finding humour in serious situations – a key component to political satire – making light of serious political issues and using humour as a means of exposing corruption.

Impact on Audiences

• By employing humour, the play manages to expose the gravity of the issues it addresses without making the text overly serious or heavy. This draws the audience's attention to the absurdity of the situations, ultimately encouraging them to reflect on societal norms.
• The play uses farce and slapstick humour to further mock its targets, allowing audiences to laugh at situations that would ordinarily be horrifying. This creates a sense of unease, encouraging further contemplation of the underlying serious issues.
• The uncompromising nature of Fo’s critique of the police and the government may inspire audiences to question authority and the status quo in their own lives.

Historical and Cultural Context

• The play reflects the societal and political conditions in Italy during the late 1960s and 70s, a time known as the Years of Lead. This period was characterised by large-scale political corruption, widespread social conflict, and indiscriminate violence.
• This background is essential to understanding both the humour and the gravity of the play. By recognising this historical context, readers/audiences can better understand the specifics of the corruption Fo critiques and the urgent need for reform he highlights.
• Despite its specific Italian context, the play's themes remain relevant in societies grappling with political corruption, highlighting the universal appeal of the genre.