QFWFQ Review: Bold Stage Adaptation of Calvino's Classic 2026

The QFWFQ review reveals a daring stage adaptation of Italo Calvino's unadaptable novel, If on a Winter's Night a Traveller, reimagined by Los Angeles performer Gregory Nussen. Directed by Hannah Pilkes, this one-person show transforms postmodern surrealism and authorial intrusions into a playful yet politically charged theatrical experience.

Nussen, who also adopts the name QFWFQ as Calvino's narrator, uses charm, wit, and storytelling prowess to explore the power of narrative. The performance draws on improvisation, referencing Keith Jarrett's legendary Köln Concert, and weaves together interrupted tales attributed to obscure European writers, never quite reaching resolution. But beneath the metatheatrical games lies a fierce political heart, rooted in Nussen's own American Jewish upbringing and their critique of dominant narratives.

Postmodern Surrealism Meets Political Urgency

The show's polemical force emerges as Nussen recounts a teenage summer-camp trip to Israel via Auschwitz, framing it as a form of coercion—not just to remember the Holocaust but to instill a sense of perpetual threat and victimhood. This personal story becomes a springboard for challenging narratives that exclude queer artists and the 700,000 Palestinians displaced in Israel's founding. When other stories cannot be told with empathy, Nussen implies, it's time to call unreliable narrators to account.

Adapting the Unadaptable

Calvino's 1979 novel is famously head-spinning, about a reader trying to make sense of unrelated manuscripts. Nussen's adaptation embraces this chaos, turning it into a playful yet pointed commentary on storytelling. The performance at Summerhall, Edinburgh, until 31 August, is a testament to the power of reinterpreting classic literature for contemporary audiences.

Performance Highlights

Nussen's performance is a masterclass in engaging an audience. Their ability to shift from comedic improvisation to heartfelt political critique keeps viewers on edge. The use of metatheatrical tricks, such as addressing the audience directly, reinforces the theme of unreliable narration.

Comparison: Novel vs. Stage Adaptation

Key Takeaways

• QFWFQ is a bold reimagining of Calvino's classic, blending humor with political commentary.
• Gregory Nussen's performance is both charming and provocative, challenging audiences to question dominant narratives.
• The show uses metatheatrical devices to highlight the power and responsibility of storytellers.
• It's a must-see for fans of experimental theatre and literary adaptations.

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