Vittorio Rossi Playwright

Writing a play is an attempt at depicting something you’ve experienced or witnessed or imagined. The writing process becomes a sort of investigation into the truth you’re attempting to capture. When I set out to write my father’s story, it was my way of wanting to understand him, to know him better, to somehow desperately try to hold on to him, as the ravages of Alzheimer’s were taking there bloody toll on his life. I knew for a long time that I was going to write his story, and what I miss the most is sitting at the kitchen table as my father prepared dinner, sharing a glass of wine and becoming mesmerized and enthralled by the stories of his life. To this day, when I talk of my father I always mention that he was a carpenter, a self-taught master at his craft. My mother would pass away only nine months after my father died, and though she had a stroke, it was a broken heart that got her. They both left me the greatest gift of all, love, being loved, and the ability to love. I offer my new play The Carpenter as the conclusion of the trilogy, yet as a new beginning to many more tales inspired by the lives of Silvio and Carmela. I lovingly dedicate this play to my three sisters, Maria, Lucia, and Silvana who helped and continue to help with the healing process.