The Question at the Living Theatre

The Italian Cultural Institute in collaboration with Alice in cerca di teatro 'Hands Off Cain,' presents The Question, a performance art piece that is based on the diary of Dominique Green, at the Living Theatre on 28 Oct 2007.

The Question is a performance inspired by the correspondence between an Italian woman, Barbara Bacci, and a death row inmate, Dominique Green, executed in Texas several years ago. As a boy, Dominique was condemned for a murder he always pleaded innocent to. He was executed as an adult after 14 years in jail.

Dominique always believed he would be released, this belief is revealed in his diary. He writes poems, he paints, he even manages to fall in love, and he demands a future for himself. This means that the lethal injection that stopped his heart has not stopped his thoughts, words, and dreams.

The press note reads "The piece is an hour-long secular oratory, where theatre meets classical music (W.A. Mozart), and where dance meets poetry. Through the rhythmic improvisation of percussion, a manifesto of irrevocable civil demands is made."

Directed and designed by Ugo De Vita, who, in collaboration with Barbara Bacci, slected extracts for the performance from Dominique Green's diary, The Question features: Barbara Bricca, Diego Galuppi and Andrea Bellavia, with dancing performed by Viviana Sardella. Music is provided by M Antonio D'andrea (violin), M Tiziana Folletta (piano) and Francesco Ballantini (percussion).

Hands Off Cain is behind the Italian and EU engagement to present at the 62nd (present) UN General Assembly a resolution calling for a universal moratorium on capital executions. The text of the resolution is under discussion and will be tabled at the beginning of October. The final approval should be in December.