Alessandro Benvenuti. Bartali all’inferno

Set in 1943, during one of the most dramatic periods in Italian history, the play recounts the civic courage of Gino Bartali, who, whilst pretending to be training between Umbria and Tuscany, smuggled false documents on his bicycle to Jewish families fleeing Nazi-Fascist persecution.

His clandestine activities aroused the suspicion of Fascist spies and led to his arrest at Villa Triste, where he was interrogated by the ruthless Mario Carità. Imprisoned in the cellars of the villa – infamous for the torture inflicted on anti-Fascists – Bartali was forced to protect the secrecy of his mission whilst resisting threats, pressure and attempts at intimidation.

Sergio Pierattini’s play draws on this true story, bringing to life the intense confrontation between the champion and the leader of the Fascist gang. The result is a powerful clash between two opposing visions of humanity and history.

Starring Alessandro Benvenuti.