Francesco Montanari to star in Shakespeare-inspired play at Sala Umberto

The play ‘Storia di un cinghiale. Qualcosa su Riccardo III’ will be performed at Sala Umberto from October 7 to 18, 2026. Written and directed by Uruguayan playwright Gabriel Calderón, the production stars Francesco Montanari in a monologue that serves as a visionary reimagining of William Shakespeare’s Richard III.

The performance explores the blurred lines between an actor and his character, focusing on the themes of ambition, the thirst for power, and the psychological cost of success. As the actor finally secures the role of his life, the traits of the historical king begin to bleed into his own identity.

Produced by Piccolo Teatro di Milano – Teatro d’Europa and Carnezzeria, in collaboration with IILA, the production features translation by Teresa Vila and set design by Paolo Di Benedetto. Calderón describes the text as a ‘map’ for theatrical discovery rather than a rigid script, emphasizing a process of collaborative creation and exploration.