«Peccato che fosse una sgualdrina» by John Ford, directed by Luca De Fusco: Wednesday, December 2 to Sunday, December 13, 2026

From December 2 to 13, 2026, Teatro Argentina (Largo di Torre Argentina 52, 00186 Roma) presents the national premiere of John Ford's «Peccato che fosse una sgualdrina» (’Tis Pity She’s a Whore), in an adaptation by Luca De Fusco and Gianni Garrera, directed by De Fusco himself. There are eleven performances, on December 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13.

Updated November 6, 2026.

The event

John Ford's tragedy sits beside Shakespeare's «Othello» as an ideal diptych on three great universal themes: desire, guilt and moral violence. The drama revolves around the incestuous love between the siblings Giovanni and Annabella, a forbidden passion that defies a world ruled by hypocrisy and corruption, up to her tragic final sacrifice.

Teatro di Roma describes the text as «as extreme as it is fascinating»: it has crossed the centuries leaving a mark on the history of theater and film, thanks to celebrated auteur reinterpretations. Luca De Fusco renders its ambiguity with an abstract, multimedia staging made of mirrors and video projections.

The two leading roles go to Mersila Sokoli and Gianluca Merolli. The company is completed by Alessandro Balletta, Debora Bernardi, Francesco Biscione, Andrea Codognato, Pierluigi Corallo, Paolo Cresta, Pier Luigi Misasi, Francesca Piccolo and Sara Putignano; sets and costumes are by Marta Crisolini Malatesta, lighting by Gigi Saccomandi, music by Ran Bagno. The production is by Teatro di Roma - Teatro Nazionale and is performed in Italian.

Where it takes place: Teatro Argentina

The audience sits in the hall of Teatro Argentina, at Largo di Torre Argentina 52, one of the oldest theaters in Rome: the curtain first rose on January 13, 1732. The venue is now the center of the Teatro di Roma 2026-2027 season; next to it stand the ruins of the sacred area of Largo Argentina. There is also a page on Teatro Argentina.

Practical information

• Dates: December 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13, 2026.
• Venue: Teatro Argentina, Largo di Torre Argentina 52, 00186 Roma.
• National premiere; performed in Italian.
• Ticket prices at Teatro Argentina: orchestra armchairs 44 euros (reduced 35); boxes, stalls, first and second tier 35 euros (reduced 30); boxes on the third and fourth tier 26 euros (reduced 20).
• Teatro Argentina box office: Monday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sunday from three hours before the performance; telephone 06 684000311 or 06 684000314.
• Getting there: use the ATAC route planner.

Frequently asked questions about «Peccato che fosse una sgualdrina» by John Ford, directed by Luca De Fusco

Who are the leads?

Mersila Sokoli and Gianluca Merolli play the siblings Annabella and Giovanni.

What language is the show in?

Italian.

How many performances are there?

Eleven, from December 2 to 13, 2026.

Article written by the editorial team of Tour Leader Pro, contact them for Private/Corporate/V.I.P. Tours and Experiences.

Planning a trip to Rome? The English guides to visit the city are on ItalyPlanner.com.