By Josie Caporetto
Last night, The Italian Divorce lit up the Williamstown Italian Social Club with a performance that had the audience laughing, nodding, and even wiping away a few quiet tears.
Before the curtain rose, the evening was opened by Jenna Lo Bianco, a talented and multi-published Italian Australian author. Her thoughtful and heartfelt introduction set the tone beautifully, preparing the audience for a story about family, culture, and the delicate mix of comedy and truth that was about to unfold.
Written, directed, and performed by Frank Lotito, The Italian Divorce captures the essence of family life with honesty and humour. Lotito’s script walks the fine line between comedy and heartache, inviting us to laugh at the quirks of Italian family dynamics while also reflecting on the deeper truths of love, loyalty, and generational expectations.
At the centre of it all is the formidable matriarch, Lucia, played brilliantly by Rosanna Morales, whose wit and sharp tongue had the audience in stitches.
Beside her, Lotito himself shone as Bruno, delivering a performance both hilarious and deeply relatable. The family’s world was further enriched by Davide Mollica as the conflicted son Pino, Louisa Mignone as the independent Teresa, Jeanette Coppolino as the exasperated daughter-in-law Lisa, and Steve Mouzakis as Dimitri, the neighbour whose ouzo-fuelled wisdom added a touch of Greek philosophy to the chaos.
Each actor brought a distinct energy to the stage, creating an ensemble that felt not just like a cast, but like a family. Their chemistry was electric, their timing impeccable, and their ability to pull the audience from belly laughs into moments of heartfelt reflection was extraordinary.
What makes The Italian Divorce so special is its universal resonance. While rooted in Italian-Australian culture, its themes family conflict, tradition versus modernity, and the messy, unbreakable bonds of love speak to everyone. You didn’t need to be Italian to see your own family mirrored on stage; you only needed to have loved, argued, and laughed around a kitchen table.
As the curtain closed, the applause was thunderous and heartfelt. It was clear that Lotito and his cast had achieved something rare: a comedy that entertains while also holding up a mirror to life itself.
Bravissimi to Frank Lotito, Rosanna Morales and the entire cast and creative team behind The Italian Divorce. Melbourne theatre is richer for having this story told on its stage.
