This English version, commissioned by the Royal National Theatre, was presented at the Lyttelton Theatre in 1983. Alberto accuses the Cimmartus of murdering Aniello. The police arrest the whole Cimmaruta family, but Alberto begins to think he dreamt the murder. The Cimmarutas are freed, but, one after another, each member of the family denounces another. Solemn farce and knockabout tragedy become indistinguishable and fear makes a fool of everyone.