Marco Paolini: A Deep Map breaks new ground in the field of Italian political theatre by outlining the unique approach of one of Italy's most celebrated playwrights, Marco Paolini, whose work has hitherto remained mostly inaccessible to English-speaking audiences. This book is the first substantial study of Paolini's corpus in English. Additionally, it offers an in-depth analysis of Paolini's unique methods by focusing on the recovery of collective cultural memory through theatre and in-depth historical and political context. Author Cristina Perissinotto engages critically with art and politics in Italy specifically but also considers implications and relevance on a global scale. Perissinotto's multidisciplinary approach simultaneously draws upon memory studies, history, and poetry. She demonstrates how Paolini's plays use techniques already in use to ancient Greek theatre, which called for the engagement of actors in political commentary from the stage, connecting them directly with the public on social and ethical issues.

Cristina Perissinotto is associate professor of Italian studies at the University of Ottawa.