Penned by Tom Jacobson, TASTY LITTLE RABBIT is the intriguing true story of Mussolini’s political investigation of a photographer in order to decide whether his photographs were art or pornography. Playwright Tom Jacobson remarked: “When I first learned that Wilhelm von Gloeden’s beautiful and highly-charged photographs of young Sicilian men were confiscated by the Italian Fascist government in 1936, I thought it might be a story I wanted to tell. As I dug deeper into the research, I learned even more exciting things, including that Pancrazio Buciuni, one of the models, was the owner of the photographs and negatives confiscated by the Fascists. What were his feelings about these renowned images of himself that the government declared obscene? What was his relationship with von Gloeden?…The play reveals a number of secrets that make it both fun and dangerous.”
Massi Pregoni, Rob Nagle, and Robert Mammana – Photo by Philip Pirolo
TASTY LITTLE RABBIT is part of Reflections on Art and Democracy, a celebration of plays and lectures in Los Angeles aimed at raising awareness about the rise of fascism, racism, and antisemitism, the power of art and design to resist them, and the confluence of visual and performative artworks to promote democracy. In 2025, Exeunt Productions and Moving Arts proudly present the world premiere of TASTY LITTLE RABBIT in Los Angeles.
Rob Nagle, Massi Pregoni, and Robert Mammana – Photo by Philip Pirolo
The time alternates between 1936 and 1897; and the place is Taormina, Sicily. Director George Bamber noted that “Benito Mussolini used moral cleansing as a means to gain control of the people in Italy. TASTY LITTLE RABBIT focuses on one such persecution of 1897 photographer Baron Wilhelm von Gloeden…he was the Gilded Age’s ultimate influencer. His photographs of the locals on the Sicilian coast made the village of Taormina a required stop on the grand tour, particularly for prominent men attracted to beautiful male youth…(playwright) Tom’s skill is holding our focus so we can contemplate the complexity of art vs. pornography, normative vs. deviant orientation, sexual agency vs. exploitation.” This artistic prosecution uncovers a much darker secret of an 1890s love triangle involving poet Sebastian Melmoth, photographer Wilhelm von Gloeden, and an 18-year-old Sicilian boy.
Robert Mammana, Massi Pregoni, and Rob Nagle – Photo by Philip Pirolo
Bamber helms the production with incisive and often shocking power as he explores the hidden crevices of the story, aided in no small part by the talented, experienced, and powerful cast of three: Robert Mammana (Cesare Acrosso/Wilhelm von Gloeden), Rob Nagle (Francesco Maffiotti/Sebastian Melmoth), and Massi Pregoni (Pancrazio Buciuni at 57 and 18). In fact, every aspect of the production is nearly perfect, including Mark Mendelson’s scenic design, Garry Lennon’s costumes, Nicholas Santiago’s projections, Dan Weingarten’s lighting, and John Zalewski’s sound.
Rob Nagle, Massi Pregoni, and Robert Mammana – Photo by Philip Pirolo
This historic gem is a must-see production which has aced every aspect of the play – from skilled direction and commanding acting – all in a setting which is perfection itself. Even the playbill offers something special: actual photos from the time period (which are also projected onstage to help focus and clarify). Exeunt Productions and Moving arts are to be commended for a job well done.
TASTY LITTLE RABBIT runs through June 5, 2025, with performances at 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and at 4 p.m. on Sundays, with added performances at 8 p.m. on Thursdays 5/22, 5/29, 6/5 and Monday 6/2/25. Moving Arts is located at 3191 Casitas Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90039. Tickets are $33 (students $20 with identification). For information and reservations, go online.
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