Lina Wertmuller’s ‘letter’ to Piera Degli Esposti: “Precious light of my life”

“My beloved, sweet Piera, precious light of my life. Light always intense, affectionate, courageous and fragile. With your grace and your smile you have brought a caress to every room, every house, every stage and every movie set they have had the joy of meeting you “. With these words begins the affectionate thought that the director Lina Wertmuller dedicates to the actress Piera Degli Esposti, on the day of the secular funeral ceremony in the Campidoglio. “I will never forget your voice, your extraordinary talent, your genius, your irony, your intelligence, your inner strength as a warrior, the many adventures lived together, the laughter and joy that accompanied our friendship – writes Wertmuller – For me, I always thought and declared it every time they asked me about our work, you are the greatest actress in the world. I know that for you it sounded like an exaggeration, but instead it is just like that “. The director’s ‘letter’ to the deceased actress continues:” Now that you are no longer here, our lives will be colder and darker. Just thinking of you away, makes my heart squeeze with aching nostalgia. your absence, I will always try to think of you with that smile of yours as a child, like when one evening a few years ago Enrico, who adored you, and I surprised you by letting us find Robert Mitchum for dinner, the movie star who most you loved. As soon as you saw him, sitting on The sofa in our house, you jumped into his arms with joy. Even now I want to imagine you like this, happy for your dream come true, in the company of Robert Mitchum and many friends who, I hope, you will find “.