“Laughter is not a lighthearted or carefree thing, but can be full of vision.” So argued Anna Marchesini, who contributed greatly to the emergence of female comedy, perhaps not fully aware of being a role model for many other artists eager to share humorous insights into everyday life with audiences, with a disenchanted and ironic perspective. But Anna Marchesini was more than just a great comedian. A voice actress, theater director, cultural mediator, literary writer, and acting teacher, she pursued diverse career paths with versatility and determination, training performers and inspiring new authors. This volume traces the stages of her career, from her debut with Tino Buazzelli to her untimely death.