Curio Theatre Brings 1920s Trial to Life with Masks and Mime

John Bellomo's new play, "Sacco & Vanzetti: A Tragedia Dell'Arte," balances absurdist courtroom scenes with poignant moments of humanity.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 5:40pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a heavily textured, weathered theater curtain in rich burgundy, gold, and charcoal tones, conveying the historical weight and emotional intensity of the Sacco and Vanzetti story through its worn, dramatic material.The textured, time-worn curtain of the Curio Theatre sets the stage for a powerful retelling of the Sacco and Vanzetti saga.West Chester Today

Curio Theatre Company in West Philadelphia is premiering a new play by local playwright John Bellomo that reimagines the famous 1920s trial of Italian immigrants Nicola Sacco and Bartolomeo Vanzetti. The production blends 16th-century mask and mime techniques with modern parallels to immigration issues, creating a tense and thought-provoking theatrical experience.

Why it matters

The Sacco and Vanzetti case has long been seen as a symbol of discrimination against immigrants, with the two men widely believed to have been wrongfully convicted and executed due to prejudice rather than evidence. By revisiting this historical event through an inventive theatrical lens, the play draws clear connections to ongoing debates around immigration and due process.

The details

Bellomo's play features a lively animated backdrop, masks and puppets to create a 16th-century clown-like atmosphere for the courtroom scenes. But the production also features powerful moments where the actors remove their masks to recite letters written by Sacco and Vanzetti, providing a stark contrast to the absurdist trial. Director Bellomo, who also plays Sacco, maintains a careful balance between the foolish and the dark, keeping the audience engaged throughout the 90-minute performance.

  • The play is the world premiere of John Bellomo's "Sacco & Vanzetti: A Tragedia Dell'Arte".
  • Sacco and Vanzetti were arrested in April 1920 and executed in April 1927.

The players

John Bellomo

The playwright of "Sacco & Vanzetti: A Tragedia Dell'Arte" and the director of the production, who also plays the role of Nicola Sacco. Bellomo is a Temple and UArts alum and an associate professor of theater at West Chester University.

Renato Arcuri

The actor who portrays Bartolomeo Vanzetti in the production. His performance, where he removes his mask to recite Vanzetti's letters, is described as the heart of the story.

Curio Theatre Company

The West Philadelphia theater company that is presenting the world premiere of Bellomo's play.

Nicola Sacco

One of the two Italian immigrants who were arrested, convicted, and executed in 1927 for a robbery and murder, despite widespread belief that they were wrongfully accused due to prejudice against immigrants.

Bartolomeo Vanzetti

The other Italian immigrant who, along with Nicola Sacco, was arrested, convicted, and executed in 1927 for a robbery and murder, despite widespread belief that they were wrongfully accused due to prejudice against immigrants.

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What they’re saying

“Ninety years on, comparisons to modern ICE activities make this more than a fable. It would be nice to think things like Sacco and Vanzetti's lack of due process don't happen anymore, but even with a 16th-century clown approach, it doesn't feel ancient.”

— Walt Maguire, Reviewer

“Every time he pulls off his big fuzzy mustache and floppy hat, runs his hand through his thinning hair, then looks up and recites another letter, the room gets quieter. The words cut through the carnival atmosphere of the sensational trial, and the parallels to modern rule are unmistakable. It's like Vanzetti has returned. And so have the problems we thought were behind us.”

— Walt Maguire, Reviewer

What’s next

The production at Curio Theatre Company will run through May 7, 2026, giving local audiences in West Philadelphia the opportunity to experience this innovative retelling of the Sacco and Vanzetti case.

The takeaway

Curio Theatre's production of "Sacco & Vanzetti: A Tragedia Dell'Arte" serves as a powerful reminder that the issues of discrimination and lack of due process that plagued the Sacco and Vanzetti case over a century ago continue to resonate today, underscoring the importance of vigilance in protecting the rights of immigrants and ensuring fair trials for all.