Sebastiano Lo Monaco, a great actor and director from Syracuse with a profound knowledge of the works and classicism of Pirandello, passed away this morning, Saturday December 16th. He was 65 years old and had been ill for some time. Lo Monaco, who directed the Messina Theater and the Pirandello Theater in Agrigento, dedicated his life to the theater, playing countless roles and not despising civic engagement with works such as “Per non die di mafia”. He is also known for his leading roles in tragedies at the Greek Theater in Syracuse, which took place on the occasion of the classical performances organized by the Inda Foundation. After graduating from the Academy of Dramatic Art, he began his career, which also led him to work with Enrico Maria Salerno, Salvo Randone and Adriana Asti.
The condolences of the cultural world are unanimous. “We have applauded him many times for his brilliant interpretations of Pirandello and the Greek classics.” This season we awaited his return as Odysseus, but unfortunately his journey ended prematurely. “We welcome Sebastiano Lo Monaco full of emotions,” we read in a contribution from the National Theater of Genoa. “Oh Sebastiano, fly lightly. A great actor is leaving us. “Sebastiano Lo Monaco” is the message from director Davide Livermore. “It's a big loss. Hello Sebastiano,” comments the director of the Valley of the Temples Park in Agrigento, Roberto Sciarratta, on social media.
“Sebastiano Lo Monaco was a talented actor who could compete in cinema and television, but also inextricably linked his name to the theater as a director and producer.” The residents of Syracuse will always remember him for his numerous participation in the classic performances of the Greek theater, but his repertoire of characters was extensive and varied, all with a very personal character. His disappearance is a loss for Italian theater and an impoverishment for the artistic panorama of Syracuse. Personal condolences go out to the family, the administration and the city.” This was stated by the mayor of Syracuse, Francesco Italia.