On the occasion of the presentation in Rome of the miniseries Portobello (the first Italian series HBO Original, directed by Marco Bellocchio, available from February 20 on HBO Max), Irene Maiorino – who in the series plays Nadia Marzano – told the work done on the set and the central themes of the series dedicated to the story of Enzo Tortora (played by Fabrizio Gifuni), the television host arrested in 1983 with the accusation of camorristica association and then absolute.
A great cast and a great production: how was it part of it? And what, according to you, is the most important thing on which the series leads to reflect?
The most important thing that is represented, and on which Portobello makes to reflect, are human aspects. It is not only about error or obstinacy, but to understand how far the human soul can go. There is an almost tragic call: when man is moved by low feelings such as envy – in this case Pandico – or by negligence, desire for profit and success. They are very contemporary themes, but also universal. As an actress it is always interesting to face them through a story; as a viewer and a human being it is important to see them told.
How was feelings so complex and heavy?
It was very strong, especially because we worked in the reconstruction of the trial bunker, a space with a very intense energy. We were all present in the scenes of the debates, which follow in a tight way. An almost animal energy was created, which helped to enter an almost theatrical spirit. This also supported the tone of farce that Marco Bellocchio inserts in the tragedy, through the mask of Pulcinella, the puppet par excellence.
The article Irene Maiorino: “<i>Portobello</i> represents human aspects” comes from IlNewyorkese.
