Cast
Duchess Tess Hermann
Antonio Cesar Sampson
Delio Jessica De Jong
Ferdinand Pete Steele
Cardinal Randall Galera
Bosola Owen Lindsay
Julia Lisa Sigismondi
Castruccio Jacob Liss
Cariola Anne Marie Sheridan
Silvia Denisa Bozoanca
Malatesti/Doctor/Orderly/Officer Jérôme Schüpbach
Madwoman/Officer Sophie Schmidt
Pescara/Attendant Felix Mittermaier
Grisolan Ella-Sophie Berlinger
Lady Vanessa Kreuzer
Lady Amanda Eisner
Roderigo/Orderly Paulo Schalkhammer
Servant Alina Korhammer
Attendant Melanie Oeser
Creative Team
Direction Owen Lindsay and Robert G. Neumayr
Assistant Direction Dani Spampinato
Choreography Sonja Hanl
Intimacy Direction Anne Marie Sheridan
Set Design and Construction Owen Lindsay
Costumes Maria Krebs
Lighting Design Paul Sloan
Photography and Video János Klotz
Promotional Photos Karin Svadlenak-Gomez
Hair and Make-up Lynda Pearce
Stage Manager Alicia Pretorius
Stage Assistant Andreea Dimed
Tech Alice Gonzalez-Martin
The Duchess of Malfi is a timeless tale of power, secrecy, and defiance. Set in Renaissance Italy, the play revolves around the life of a noblewoman, who, after being widowed, chooses to remarry in secret. This bold act sets off a series of tragic events. The story is deeply rooted in the era it was written. Its themes of autonomy, repression, and the consequences of forbidden love, however, continue to resonate today.
The plot centers on the Duchess’s decision to marry her lover, Antonio. This goes against the strict orders of her brothers. They demand she remain single to preserve the family’s honor. As her brothers scheme to uncover her secret, the story spirals into a tale of betrayal, madness, and destruction. Through its twists and turns, the play explores the dangers of control, the complexity of desire, as well as the courage it takes to live on one’s own terms.
© Karin Svadlenak-Gomez
Video - János Klotz