A pop-up show imagining the life of the Italian publisher and political activist Giangiacomo Feltrinelli opens in Cardiff on 2 May.
Called ‘Praxis Makes Perfect’, the show is being mounted by the National Theatre Wales. It premieres at a secret location – described as “a factory in Wales” – and runs from 2 to 5 May.
Described as “an immersive gig”, ‘Praxis Makes Perfect’ is conceived and performed by former front man of the band Super Furry Animals Gruff Rhys and American producer Boom Bip of the Neon Neon band, with playwright Tim Price and director Wils Wilson. A millionaire, aristocrat and radical, Feltrinelli died in 1972 in mysterious circumstances. He was at the heart of many of the most extraordinary events of the 20th century and even met Cuban leader Fidel Castro.
Feltrinelli founded the Feltrinelli Editore publishing house in 1954. He went on to publish landmark titles including Russian writer Boris Pasternak’s ‘Doctor Zhivago’ and Sicilian writer Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa’s ‘Il gattopardo’ (The Leopard). Feltrinelli also published the works by revolutionary leaders including Argentinian Che Guevara and Vietnamese Ho Chi Minh.
‘Praxis Makes Perfect’ consists of a synth album and live show with dramatic interventions based on Feltrinelli’s life. The show will tour the UK with performances at Motion in Bristol on 23 May, Village Underground in London from 4 to 6 June, and Henham Park in Suffolk on 18 July.
A concept album ‘Praxis Makes Perfect’ is being released on 29 April in the UK and 30 April in the United States to coincide with the premiere of the show. Artists featured on the album include American guitarist Josh Klinghoffer of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Welsh singer-songwriter Cate Le Bon, Italian pop sensation Sabrina Salerno, and Italian actress, singer and model Asia Argento.
