This staging of LA STRADA adopts the perspective of Gelsomina, who is sold by her mother to the travelling artist Zampanò. She accompanies him, doing little circus performances herself. At boorish Zampanò's mercy, Gelsomina tries to preserve her personal unity, vitality and ability to love.
Her tender revolt is fruitful. Her childish, persistent self-assertion will cost Gelsomina her life, but it will also soften her tormentor's stony heart.