Written and performed by award-winning artist Farren Timoteo, be sure to check out this hilarious comedy while it’s on at the Persephone Theatre.

Made in Italy is a one-man play written and performed by Edmonton-based playwright, actor, and director Farren Timoteo. Since its debut nearly 10 years ago in 2016, the production has earned widespread acclaim across Canada for its heartfelt and hilarious portrayal of the Italian immigrant experience in 1970s Canada. Through a dynamic and engaging performance, Timoteo breathes life into a deeply personal yet universally resonant story for immigrants of all backgrounds, of family, identity, and cultural assimilation.

Set in the postcard-worthy town of Jasper, Alberta, Made in Italy follows the story of Francesco Mantini, a second-generation Italian teenager struggling to find his place in a world where he feels caught between his two cultural identities. 

His father, Salvatore, immigrated to Canada in the 1960s, bringing the rich traditions and customs of his homeland with him. Confident in his identity and culture, Salvatore is a firm believer in the values of family, food, and tradition. He sees the dining table as the beating heart of the household; to him, it isn’t just a place to eat, it’s a sacred space where stories are shared across generations. 

Francesco, however, is not as inclined to buy into the Italian cultural traditions. Not only do they bore him, but they act as a sore spot. At school, he faces bullying and the challenge of standing out as different. Eager to finally fit in and escape the weight of his father’s expectations, he reinvents himself as “Frank Martin,” a suave, disco-loving persona inspired by pop culture icons John Travolta and Rocky Balboa. 

His transformation is both a rebellion against his father’s deeply rooted Italian identity and a desperate attempt to carve out his own space in Canadian society. He craves acceptance from his peers at the price of his culture. 

Since its premiere, Made in Italy has been met with critical acclaim from several different theatrical institutions. Audiences and critics alike have praised Timoteo’s performance in the play, which showcases his versatility as an actor, singer, and comedian. The play’s unique blend of comedy, nostalgia, and cultural exploration has made it a standout in Canadian theatre, drawing in audiences from diverse backgrounds who see their own family stories reflected on stage.

Timoteo’s work in the play has earned him multiple accolades, including the Sterling Award, Jessie Award, and Betty Mitchell Award for Outstanding Lead Performance in a Comedy. The play was honored with the Calgary Theatre Critics’ Award for Outstanding Performance in a One-Person Show. 

What makes Made in Italy so compelling is Timoteo’s adept ability to embody multiple characters in the same scene, switching effortlessly between different family members, classmates, and townsfolk, each with their own unique voice, accent, and physicality. His comedic timing and high-energy performance keep the audience captivated, while the emotional depth of the story ensures that it resonates on a personal level. 

Beyond Timoteo’s performance,  the writing of the play also works to engage the audience. From heartfelt moments between the family to crushing interactions with townsfolk and teens, the range of emotion Timoteo poured into this work is commendable. 

The play is directed by Daryl Cloran, whose staging allows for seamless transitions between scenes, making the most of a minimalist set that places the family dining table at the center of the story. With the use of creative choreography and lively musical sequences, including a hilarious disco-inspired hair routine, audience members are sure to enjoy the production’s unique blend of humor, nostalgia, and heartfelt emotion. 

Made in Italy is a touching and humorous exploration of the immigrant experience in Canada, identity, and the enduring bonds of family. Through Timoteo’s skillful storytelling and performance, audiences are invited into the world of the Mantini family, experiencing the epic highs and lows of their journey in 1970s Alberta. The play serves as a reminder of the complexities of cultural assimilation, the importance of embracing one’s heritage, and diversity, at a time when Canada desperately needs a reminder.

The play explores the complexities of the immigrant experience in Canada—highlighting the tension between honoring your cultural roots and the desire to assimilate. Salvatore represents a steadfast connection to the past, staying anchored to your heritage and upbringing in any setting. Francesco’s journey is one of self-discovery, navigating the space between tradition and modernity and finding the balance. The dynamic between father and son is integral to the play, reflecting a common struggle among immigrant families where generational and cultural differences create both conflict and moments of understanding.

Made in Italy is not just a comedy about an awkward teenager trying to reinvent himself—it is a touching and deeply relatable exploration of identity and what it means to belong. Through humor, music, and heartfelt storytelling, the play captures the universal immigrant experience of growing up between two worlds, struggling to reconcile personal aspirations with familial expectations. 

As Francesco embarks on his journey of self-discovery and acceptance, the audience is reminded of the importance of embracing your heritage, no matter how much they might want to distance themselves from it.
For those interested in checking out the production, Made in Italy is set to run at Persephone Theatre in Saskatoon this month, until the 23rd. Whether you go for the comedy, the music, or the heartfelt storytelling, you’re almost guaranteed to leave with a deeper appreciation of the immigrant experience and the enduring bonds of family.