Modena, Gustavo

Modena, Gustavo (1803–61), Italian actor, accounted one of the finest of his day. The son of Giacomo Modena (1766–1841), who in his youth was well known for his excellent acting in Goldoni's comedies, he first came into prominence in 1824, when he played David to his father's Saul in Alfieri's tragedy of that name. He soon established himself as a leading actor and in 1829 formed his own company with which he toured Italy. During the 1830s he became involved in revolutionary activities and left Italy, ending up in London, where he supported himself by teaching Italian and giving Dante recitals. He returned to Italy in 1839 and in 1843 formed a company of young actors in Milan which included the 14-year-old Salvini. He was now at the summit of his profession, and in 1847 he produced Othello, the first play by Shakespeare to be seen in Italy. It was not a great success, but it undoubtedly paved the way for the later triumphs in the part of Salvini and Ernesto Rossi. He made his last appearance in 1860, having done much to forward the reform of the Italian stage and give it a social purpose. Though not handsome, he had a fine figure and a nobly rugged and expressive face.