Yes, it is entirely possible and is without doubt an artistic model worthy of imitation because it contains many evident and hidden qualities. The liveliness of the colors, the originality of the costumes created with imagination, the interplay of lights in the scenography, the interpretation and mime of the characters set to a musical backdrop bring to life a very entertaining spectacle.
Two human trees complete with branches and leaves, two feathered little birds with protruding beaks, the gleaming sun, the splendid moon, the small multitude of little friars, the band of crusaders, three fiery red devils, the wolf black as coal, St. Clare and her sisters, St. Francis, Bernardone and the ragged woman... appeared and disappeared with musically rhythmic movements at times filling the stage with a small colorful and dancing crowd.
Joy and commitment shone through in the expressions of the handicapped boys and girls who, finally having their spontaneous impulse toward prominence satisfied—an impulse sometimes out of place in their everyday behavior—could feel themselves an essential part of the performance.
Some characters had the task of supporting the "boys and girls" during their acting, a particularity that was perceived only in certain moments because the support appeared justified by their roles: "St. Clare" and her companions "the moon"... and the stars, the "sorrowful little friar" comforted by his companion,... these the most evident.
Notes of humor filtered through the dance of the friars around a long cord, the arrival of the crusaders covered in armor and "hooded" with gleaming colanders, the speeches in Roman-Florentine dialect between Bernardone and the ragged woman.
This spectacle was performed twice (Sunday, June 7 and Tuesday, June 9) in the oratory of the Basilica of St. Paul... What a pity!... It would be wonderful to see the poster depicting the tunic and feet of St. Francis displayed on the billboards of the theaters in our city.
by Barbara Pentimalli, 1987