Carla Tatò, pioneer of Italian radical theatre, dies at 79

Carla Tatò, a central figure in Italian radical and avant-garde theatre, has died at the age of 79. Her passing occurred following a sudden illness in Rome.

Over a career spanning more than half a century, Tatò was recognized for her experimental approach to performance, often described as “playing words” through a rhythmic and mystical interpretation of text. Her work moved beyond traditional stage boundaries, involving social and political dimensions through projects like the Teatro di Quartiere in Centocelle and the itinerant Camion project, which brought theatre to squares and peripheries.

Tatò had a long-standing artistic and personal partnership with director Carlo Quartucci, with whom she helped shape Italian theatrical research. Her career included collaborations with notable figures such as Carmelo Bene, Dacia Maraini, and Gian Maria Volonté. She was also instrumental in the creation of the Zattera di Babele laboratory in Genazzano, which bridged the gap between theatre and contemporary art.