This is why Fabiana Figoni, former vice president and now member of the society’s committee, did not hesitate to present her idea for a theatre course to her peers.

The course, held entirely in Italian, would be offered to young people and adults, allowing them to learn the basics of theatre, concentration techniques, and tricks of the trade to help them get into character.

Fibroni migrated to Australia from Rome in 2016, and has since dedicated herself to the study of singing and acting.

She will be assisted by Alexandra Del Sorbo, a teacher from Turin who has studied acting all her life.

“I don’t think I can remember a time when I wasn’t in theatre,” Del Sorbo said.

“My passion became reality when I collaborated with my first professional theatre company, at age six.”

After three years at the Accademia dello Spettacolo in Turin, where she studied acting, singing and dance, she graduated from the Turin Actors Training Centre, then graduated from DAMS in 2017, with a degree in the history and methodology of cinema.

“All these experiences have helped me to become passionate about acting,” she said.

“I’m particularly focused on the methods of Stanislavski and Grotowski, and non-verbal expression.”

During the course run by the Dante Alighieri Society, Del Sorbo will teach the basics of stage movement, techniques for vocal clarity and the foundations of creating a presence on stage.

“The course is for everyone, and gives entrants an opportunity for those who are curious about theatre,” she said.

“Only a basic knowledge of Italian is required.

“We’d like to convey our love for theatre while teaching students about some classics of Italian literature.

“This course will give participants the opportunity to improve their communication and relationship skills – skills that are also useful in everyday life.”

Alexandra Del Sorbo performing on stage

“Enrolments are currently open and the course should start in the next few weeks,” Figoni said.

“We hope that Italians will also enrol and try something new.

“We want them to test and express themselves.”

These two energetic and passionate teachers are excited to begin their course.

“We would like to stage a production towards the end of the year, once we’ve evaluated the group and its potential,” Figoni added.

“Then we can decide on which piece to do.”

The theatre course will run concurrently with the Dante Alighieri Society’s usual offering of language courses and initiatives.

For more information, visit the website.