Vincenzo Salemme is set to bring the beloved Italian play Natale in casa Cupiello back to life on Rai 1 this December 26, 2024. Following the success of his previous program Napoletano? E famme ‘na pizza earlier this year, Salemme will perform the iconic work by Eduardo De Filippo from the Auditorium Domenico Scarlatti in Naples, starting at 9:30 PM local time.
Widely regarded as one of the most important pieces of Italian theater, Natale in casa Cupiello, which premiered on Christmas Day 1931, explores the complex dynamics of family life through the lens of Italian customs, particularly during the Christmas season. Salemme has expressed his excitement about this production, stating, "I ventured to bring Eduardo's masterpiece to the stage, assembling over 40 people both on stage and off. It is immense joy to present such a cornerstone of Italian theater for the first time."
Salemme aims to demonstrate the play's timelessness, adhering closely to the original text. He remarked, "Through the wonderful words of Eduardo, I've rediscovered a cultural civilization I believe is fading away today." This sentiment underlines the intention behind the revival of the play, and serves as a reminder of the rich cultural heritage inherent to Italian theater.
Notably, Vincenzo Salemme has personal ties to Eduardo De Filippo. Reflecting on their first encounter, he recounted, "I met the Maestro Eduardo back in 1977 during my humble beginnings as I sought to become part of his productions at Cinecittà. Seeing him then was unforgettable; he embodied the spirit of Natale in casa Cupiello, which remains the most beautiful, bittersweet, and heartfelt piece of history ever written." This nostalgic connection fuels his passion for the production.
The cast of Natale in casa Cupiello features seasoned actors including Antonella Cioli, Antonio Guerriero, Franco Pinelli, and more, all contributing to bringing this poignant narrative to life. The artistic team, led by Salemme as director, includes set design by Luigi Ferrigno and costumes by Francesca Romana Scudiero, with music composed by Nicola Piovani, adding rich layers to the performance.
The plot centers around Luca Cupiello, who, as Christmas approaches, navigates the tumultuous relationships within his family. Tensions rise as his daughter Ninuccia grapples with her love life, caught between her husband and her lover. Concetta, Ninuccia's mother, becomes increasingly distressed upon discovering her daughter's infidelity, leading to dramatic confrontations and heartfelt moments. The storyline encapsulates challenges of fidelity and family, remaining relevant even today.
According to Salemme, the intricacies of the narrative reflect common human experiences, saying, "The desire to return to the home of the past, the coldness of post-war Italy softened by the preparations for the nativity, resonate deeply with my own upbringing. It’s about heartwarming memories created from small joys, like sharing struffoli and playing tombola amid family during the holidays."
Natale in casa Cupiello has been revisited multiple times since its inception, growing from its initial one-act format to two additional acts, thoroughly enriching the narrative. Each portrayal brings new dimensions to Luca and his family's struggles, emphasizing themes of love, regret, and the pursuit of happiness.
Salemme's dedication to honoring Eduardo's legacy is evident as he remarked, "With simplicity and love, I aim to evoke the warmth of those Christmas nights spent together, weaving the fabric of our cultural identity through theater." His commitment, combined with the proficient cast and crew, promises to deliver an unforgettable experience for audiences tuning in this Christmas season.
Fans of Italian theater and new audiences alike are encouraged to watch Salemme as he breathes life back onto this classic stage, continuing the tradition started by the De Filippo brothers nearly 93 years ago. This production not only rekindles nostalgia for many but paves the way for future generations to appreciate the depth of Italian theatrics.
