Theater for the New City presents a double-bill of Mario Fratti's plays: the world premiere of 'Wives' and his breakout hit,'The Academy,' that together illustrate the changing nature of the battle of the sexes. More…
In 'The Academy,' set in 1950s Venice amid the postwar nihilism and defeat, a reactionary professor has organized an 'academy' to teach young Italian men how to seduce and exploit American women. The six young gigolos who are his students are enterprising young men.
'Wives,' a world premiere, was written recently and offers a contrasting view of American women. Instead of being victimized by an opportunistic man, they are firmly in control. 'Wives' displays a definite power shift in the battle of the sexes.