The competition, organized for the last 20 years, is meant to promote both playwrights and the executors of plays. In the past, future stars of Italian theater had their debutes here, amongst them Luca Barbareschi or Sergio Castellito.



This year, over 200 works from Italy and 150 from overseas were submitted. "Casting" was seen as having a big chance and being awarded first prize. Over one third of the public voted for Dembi?ska's comedy. It also found extensive support amongst the jury of theater critics and dramatic authors.

"I owe a lot to my friend, the actor Edoardo Rossi," said Marianna Dembi?ska. "He convinced me to enter the competition and write 'Casting.' He also played the male role.

"I knew we had something when the audience kept laughing and exhibiting good cheer. They were quite amused by the presentation of Italian habits seen through the perspective of a Polish woman. 'Casting' is about the meeting of a serious man, whose profession is theater, with a condender for the job of an actress, whose biggest talent is her breast size and high heeled shoes. In the end, it turns out to be a theater within a theater."

Marianna Dembi?ska has already written a book "You've got it good," and lives permanently in Italy. She travels extensively and deals in fine wines.

Sometimes, she's been called the Polish Bridget Jones; either way, we're sure to hear about her exploits again.»

Jacek Moskwa ,

ROME