Backstage experiences

Speaking about the play, Schueler says: "Our play wants to say something about the nature of playing, or acting, or theater.

"The word 'illusion' from the Latin world, ludere, which means 'to play'. We create illusions when we play, and this is what happens in theater.

"They (the backstage) are in touch with the stars of the scene, but they remain hidden in the dark. What we do is to put them in the spot: their dreams, hopes and fears become visible－and like in every comedy, they fail.

"Magically, the glamorous world connects and is blended with the down-to-earth life backstage."

Like the company's other productions, Teatro Delusio is one without words.
Describing it, Gianni Bettucci, one of the producers and directors of the company, says: "It's funny, it's poetic and thanks to the magic of the masks, both the actors and audience have a unique theater experience. That's why we've been working on this for over 20 years."

Bettucci adds that the actors certainly have a special relationship with the masks, a view echoed by actor Matteo Fantoni, who says: "It is a feeling of serving the mask. When you put it on, you look at yourself, and the character appears through you and the mask."