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Nobel Prize-winning Italian playwright Dario Fo dies at 90

AFP/The Local
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Nobel Prize-winning Italian playwright Dario Fo dies at 90
Fo pictured late last year. Photo: AFP

Italian playwright and actor Dario Fo, who won the Nobel prize for literature in 1997, has died at the age of 90, Prime Minister Matteo Renzi announced on Thursday.

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"With Dario Fo's death, Italy has lost one of the great characters of its theatre, culture and civilian life. His satirical work, research, stage work and multi-faceted artistic activity are the legacy of a great Italian to the world," Renzi said told the Agi news agency.

READ MORE: Obituary: Dario Fo, master of satire and political farce

The left-winger was a key figure in Italy's post-war literary landscape, best known for his works "Accidental Death of an Anarchist" and "Can't Pay, Won't Pay", and stirred controversy with his 1969 work "Mistero buffo" ("Comical Mystery").

Originally from Lake Iseo, Fo moved around the country and studied architecture before settling in Milan.

He stirred controversy with his 1969 work "Mistero buffo" ("Comical Mystery"), a retelling of the Christian gospels in an improvised format.

As well as writing plays, Fo has experience in acting, directing and costume design and also composed the music for some of his works.

Earlier this year, Fo supported Virginia Raggi from the Five Star Movement in Rome's mayoral race. Raggi was elected in June.

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