Erba Blurs Lines Between Stage & screen in Innovative New Comedy, ”The Comment“
Milan, Italy – October 31, 2025 - Edoardo Erba’s latest theatrical work, “The comment,” currently playing at the Teatro Manzoni, is earning praise for its daring blend of cinema and live performance, challenging traditional notions of the “fourth wall.” The production, written and directed by Erba, begins as a whodunnit film projected onstage, then evolves into something far more nuanced, prompting reflection on the evolution of feminism across generations.
The review, published today by Teatro e Musica News, highlights the play’s success in juxtaposing the bold, slogan-driven activism of 1970s feminism with the complexities of contemporary movements. While acknowledging occasional dips in pacing, critic Massimiliano Beneggi emphasizes the play’s core message: the importance of learning from the past.
“What holds the story together…is a subtle but essential comparison between two eras: that of 70s feminism which, without fear, fights for women’s rights…and the current one which has all the means…but is still too afraid,” Beneggi writes.
The review especially lauds the performances of Maria Amelia monti, a Manzoni veteran, as Orietta, a character described as “attentive” and “more prone to risk than one imagines.” Beneggi notes Monti’s ”unusual timing” and her ability to interact seamlessly with the film unfolding alongside the live action – a feat requiring “precise punctuality” to avoid synchronization errors. He also praises Cristina Chinaglia’s departure from her usual stand-up comedy roles,calling her portrayal of Moira “full of fears and humanity.”
The film component features notable actors including Sebastiano Somma,Marina Massironi,and Asia Argento,though Argento’s role is intentionally left ambiguous,mirroring the play’s broader theme of shifting perspectives and hidden truths.
“Whoever seems to be the protagonist…turns out not to be one in real life, and vice versa,” Beneggi concludes, underscoring Erba’s skillful subversion of expectations.
