Samantha Marti Parisi is set to captivate audiences at the Tampa International Fringe Festival with her one-woman show, ‘The Saint of Scandal.’ This performance brings to life the extraordinary story of Julie d’Aubigny, also known as La Maupin, a legendary figure from 17th-century France. Known for her striking beauty, operatic talent, and swordsmanship, d’Aubigny defied societal norms and French law, making her a fascinating subject for Parisi’s theatrical exploration.
La Maupin’s Unconventional Life
Julie d’Aubigny’s life was marked by her defiance of convention. She was a celebrated opera singer at the Paris Opera in 1690, a skilled swordfighter, and lived a life that blurred the lines of gender and sexuality long before such discussions were commonplace. Her daring exploits, including setting fire to a convent to rescue her lover, have passed into legend, though historical records are sparse due to events like the French Revolution.
Parisi’s portrayal of La Maupin is part of her series ‘Extraordinary Voices and Extraordinary Tales,’ which focuses on unsung women from history. The show, subtitled ‘The True(ish) Story of La Maupin,’ is a creative interpretation that pays homage to d’Aubigny’s life while acknowledging the gaps and ambiguities in historical accounts. Parisi leaves the ending open-ended, reflecting the enigmatic nature of La Maupin’s life.
A Fringe Festival Highlight
‘The Saint of Scandal’ will be performed at the Tampa International Fringe Festival, an event known for celebrating alternative theater. The festival, held at Kress Contemporary and The Commodore in Ybor City, features over 30 shows from June 10-21. Parisi’s performances are scheduled for June 12, 13, 14, 15, and 21, offering audiences a chance to experience this unique theatrical piece.
Parisi’s previous works include portrayals of other notable women, such as political satirist Molly Ivins and a conservative Texas widow in ‘The Pink Unicorn.’ Her dedication to bringing diverse historical figures to life on stage continues to resonate with audiences, making her a standout performer in the Fringe Festival lineup.
Original reporting: St. Pete Catalyst — read the source article.
