Goldenbird

Inspired by real events

The mysterious Dux is a poet and war veteran who has taken over Ginestra during the general confusion in 1918, when the empire of Austria-Ungary collapsed and Italy claimed its Adriatic shores.

The Dux likes to read inspirational poetry to the masses and has created mobile radio receiver squads to make sure that he reaches his audience. Fiat trucks equipped with huge loudspeakers roll through the city squares every morning. The broadcasting station is hidden in his palace, where he organises big parties and shoots fireworks every night.

The Dux doesn’t like to show himself to the people anymore – maybe for fear of growing social unrest and discontent. He and his pinkshirts, and the hopeful city leaders, still hold their own against the will of the international community (meaning the victors of the War) that wants to include Ginestra in a new state, Yugoslavia. About 60% of Ginestra’s inhabitants are Italian-speakers, and most of them support unification with Italy instead. But the Italian government can’t accept this “gift” from the Dux, and he has nothing but contempt for their small-state politics…