Germany – “My Brilliant Friend in Comics” by Fanny & Alexander
Chiara Lagani performs Elena Ferrante's texts in the adaptation she made for the graphic novel created in collaboration with Mara Cerri, edited by Coconino Press.
Behind her, illustrations from the book are projected, giving shape and face to the moments evoked by the narrative.
The graphic novel focuses on the protagonists' childhood and adolescence, starting from the foundational episode of their friendship: the two friends, as children, throw their dolls into the depths of a dark basement in a mutual challenge.
The two authors had already co-operated in the past and both had already approached, individually, Elena Ferrante's works: Mara Cerri illustrated the novel La spiaggia di notte (The Beach at Night), Chiara Lagani wrote the theatrical adaptation just of the four-part series of Ferrante’s Neapolitan Novels.
The performance is produced by Fanny & Alexander, direction, video, and music are by Luigi De Angelis.
It will be on stage in Hamburg on September 24 (7 pm) at the Hamburger Sprechwerk theatre.
In Cologne, it will be staged in the theatre hall of the Italian Cultural Institute on September 26 (7 pm).
After the performance, both in Hamburg and Cologne, Chiara Lagani and Mara Cerri will attend a meeting with the audience and a book signing. The graphic novel is also published in German language: Meine geniale Freundin, edited by Carlsen Verlag.
The events are organised by the Italian Cultural Institutes in Hamburg and Cologne and are supported by Emilia-Romagna Region and ATER Fondazione.
Italian Cultural Institute in Hamburg