Luigi Pirandello
Luigi Pirandello
Full Name and Common Aliases
Luigi Pirandello was born on June 28, 1867, in Agrigento, Sicily, Italy. He is commonly referred to by his initials "LP" and was also known as "The Father of Meta-theatre".
Birth and Death Dates
Pirandello was born on June 28, 1867, and passed away on December 9, 1936.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Luigi Pirandello was an Italian playwright, novelist, poet, and actor. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest writers in the Italian language.
Early Life and Background
Pirandello was born into a wealthy family in Agrigento, Sicily. His father was a lawyer, and his mother was from a noble family. Pirandello's early life was marked by a love for literature and theatre. He began writing at a young age and published his first book of poetry, _Marzocco_, in 1889.
Growing up, Pirandello was influenced by the works of Shakespeare and other European playwrights. He later studied law at the University of Rome but never pursued a career as a lawyer. Instead, he dedicated himself to writing and theatre.
Major Accomplishments
Pirandello's major accomplishments include:
Being awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1934 for his outstanding merits in literature.
Writing six plays that are considered masterpieces of modern drama: _Henry IV_, _Six Characters in Search of an Author_, _Right You Are (If You Think So)_, _Everywoman_, _The Man, the Woman and the Truth_, and _The Rules of the Game_.
Notable Works or Actions
Pirandello's notable works include:
Six Characters in Search of an Author, which premiered in 1922 and is considered one of his greatest plays. The play explores the concept of meta-theatre, where characters break the fourth wall and interact with the audience.
Henry IV, a two-part play that was first performed in 1922 and tells the story of a king's struggle to maintain power.
Impact and Legacy
Pirandello's impact on modern drama is immense. He revolutionized the art form by introducing new techniques, such as:
Meta-theatre: Pirandello's concept of meta-theatre, where characters interact with the audience and challenge the conventions of theatre.
Breaking the fourth wall: Pirandello's plays often feature characters who break the fourth wall, directly addressing the audience and blurring the line between reality and fiction.
Pirandello's legacy extends beyond his plays. He is also remembered for his innovative use of language, which has influenced generations of writers and playwrights.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Luigi Pirandello is widely quoted and remembered due to his groundbreaking contributions to modern drama. His concept of meta-theatre and breaking the fourth wall have become staples of contemporary theatre, influencing countless playwrights and actors.
Pirandello's quotes are often used to highlight the importance of creative freedom and experimentation in art. His words continue to inspire artists and writers who seek to push the boundaries of their craft.
In conclusion, Luigi Pirandello was a trailblazing playwright, novelist, poet, and actor who left an indelible mark on modern drama. His innovative use of language and theatre techniques has inspired generations of artists, solidifying his place as one of the greatest writers in the Italian language.
Quotes by Luigi Pirandello
Luigi Pirandello's insights on:
Personally, I don’t give a rap for documents; for the truth in my eyes is not in them but in the mind.
Woman – for example, look at her case! She turns tantalizing inviting glances on you. You seize her. No sooner does she feel herself in your grasp than she closes her eyes. It is a sign of her mission, the sign by which she says to man: “Blind yourself, for I am blind.”
Not one of us can lie or pretend. We’re all fixed in good faith in a certain concept of ourselves.
A character, sir, may always ask a man who he is. Because a character has really a life of his own, marked with his special characteristics; for which reason he is always “somebody.” But a man – I’m not speaking of you now – may very well be ‘nobody’.
Do you believe you can know yourselves if you don’t somehow con- struct yourselves? Or that I can know you if I don’t construct you in my way? And can you know me if I don’t construct you in my way? We can know only what we succeed in giving form to.
Have you ever thought to go away and never come back? Run away and lose your tracks, to go to a place far away and start living again, living a new life, only yours, really live? Did you ever think?
Nowhere! It is merely to show you that one is born to life in many forms, in many shapes, as tree, or as stone, as water, as butterfly, or as woman. So one may also be born a character in a play.
