Made In Ilva

TV Bomb / Steven Fraser


Nicola Pianzola is the solo physical performer of Made in ILVA – The Contemporary Hermit and his exuberant and contorted display is as breath taking as it is passionate. The performer begins with his back to audience, sat on a large metal stool and then the explosive performance begins. The stool elevates Pianzola physically but also acts as a claustrophobic steel cage, a levitation device and a means to convey the heavy iron industry that is being depicted on stage.

Video projections are displayed on the floor, showcasing the industry and graft that is the backdrop for the show. ILVA is a steel works in Taranto Italy, where the employees and surrounding environment were seriously effected by dangerous factory emissions. The monologue of the sole performer and an accompanying audio narration, stems from testimonies and poems from workers at the plant. This gives Made in IVLA an added degree of authenticity and poignancy when dealing with this raw and emotional subject matter.

The soundtrack by Riccardo Nanni moves the performance forward by creating pulsating rhythms that are augmented by Pianzola’s physicality on stage. This production presents the tragedy of IVLA and shows the pain, frustration and raw emotion of the horrendous injustice that has affected the people of Taranto