The Burning of a Sicilian Whore

by Giulia Menichelli

"The scirocco carries souls away, but sometimes it also brings someone back."

Giulia Tofana recalls vividly when, as a little girl, her big brother Salvo told her the story if the scirocco wind.

Giulia Tofana is the Sicilian Whore, the most famous courtesan in all Palermo and beyond.

She lives in 17^th century Sicily, a land infused by the fragrance of oranges, a land-coloured red by the blood rain and a land where the blowing of the scirocco marks imperturbably the most significant moments of her life. But Sicily is also a land where abusive husbands, madman fathers and brothers have their days numbered. In fact Giulia Tofana is also a skilled apothecary who perfects a miraculous tonic called “Acqua di Tofana”. It is a powerful beauty elixir that keeps women young and alive, but unfortunately it has also a minor side effect.

This one woman show explores the journey of Giulia Tofana and the many characters that she meets along the way: her loyal governess Sasa’, her brother Salvo, her sister Rosa, her lover Ludovico, her peculiar clients, and the women who benefited her “Acqua di Tofana”.

We will discover who the scirocco carries away, who the scirocco brings back and we will ask ourselves who really is Giulia Tofana.

“Highly Recommended Show.

An atmospheric performance, depicting a Sicilian courtesan and her radical approach to female empowerment.

Giulia Menichelli is a skilled and engaging storyteller.” (Roger Kay, Fringe Review)

“This is an intelligent, bold, sensual play that brings to life a fascinating character.

The narrative is highly engaging, and Giulia Menichelli beautifully embodies the creative courtesan.

Powerful writing and performance …

It’s a passionate and powerful show with a beautiful fierce energy. Raw around the edges, it’s a guttural scream from the annals of time” (Lela Tredwell, The Reviewshub – 4/5 stars)