The story

This show is inspired by the book “Il sergente nella neve” written by Mario Rigoni Stern in 1953, which is the autobiography of former sergeant Rigoni during his experience in the Russia campaign in World War II. The facts took place during the winter 1942-1943, and face one of the most dramatic episodes of the Italian army: the retreat of the soldiers through the Russian taiga. Mixed up and surrounded by the Red Army, the characters of the tale, which are real not fictional, try to survive during the retreat from village to village between bad and good luck. A young sergeant, who will be the writer of the whole story, guides them. Due to the author’s sensibility, we confront with struggling human beings, astonished by the conflict but able to maintain their dignity. Like lieutenant Cenci, a true friend of Rigoni and generous while fighting; or corporal Moreschi, who is still in a good mood after all; Tourn the “Alpino” coming from Piemont, who hides his fear through joy; Lombardi always gloomy and taciturn; private 1st class Pintossi, calm and cool. They are all little big men facing an adventure often without way out.