Biography

Francesco Alberici (1988) is an Italian actor, director, and playwright. He works independently and with his company Frigoproduzioni. Alberici’s work has been widely recognised: he won the Premio Ubu in 2021 as Best Actor under 35 and in 2024 as Best Playwright for his play Bidibibodibiboo, which has been presented internationally and translated into multiple languages. His artistic research focuses on the relationship between reality and representation, often combining conceptual rigor with popular imagery and accessible dramaturgical forms. He collaborated for many years with the internationally acclaimed company Deflorian/Tagliarini, regularly presented at major European festivals and theatres. He has also worked with leading figures of the Italian contemporary scene, including Babilonia Teatri (Silver Lion 2016 in Venice) Enrico Baraldi (member of Kepler 452, co-author of Not three sisters, winner of the 2021 ANCT Award). Alberici also co-edited the Italian edition of Milo Rau’s writings Realismo Globale, reflecting his deep engagement with theatre as a medium for social reflection.

Artistic project

Bloody Ref! is a site-specific performance that transforms a real soccer match into a theatrical device for exploring, through the figure of the referee, the fragile nature of decision-making. During the match, the referee coordinates the game, penalizes misconduct, and interprets ambiguous situations, accepting the burden of possible mistakes. Being a referee means having power and learning not to abuse it: a metaphor for all those figures in society who have the task of making complex, sometimes unpopular decisions, defining what is considered ‘true’.

The show unfolds like a real soccer match: the players are recruited on a voluntary basis and each team includes an actor who subtly guides the rhythm and the dramaturgy of the match from within. The audience, divided into groups of opposing fans, actively participates through chants and collective actions, such as invading the field.  Through wireless headphones, spectators have access to the referee’s inner world: his voice, thoughts, doubts, and exchanges with the linesmen are broadcast live.

Combining sport and contemporary performance, Bloody Ref! bridges the gap between popular culture and high culture, revitalizing public spaces and seeking to attract a new audience that feels more comfortable watching a soccer match than a theater show.

Format: performance

Size of audience: from 100 to 500 people (optimal 200 people)

Specific location: football field, multifunctional sports ground, school gyms or community sports complexes

Timing/duration: between 60 and 90 minutes