Thirty years before Ghost, director Enzo Trapani celebrates the devil on stage (theatrically, of course, in joyful fiction, without bothering cults and sects). In an interview with an Italian magazine, Enzo Trapani tells of receiving a phone call. On the phone is a male voice, complaining that he is not represented enough on national TV. At the end of the phone call the man says he is the devil! Stryx is a word inspired by the Strige, a legendary animal that is also the etymological origin of the word Strega (Witch). Indeed, this show made for Italian television in 1978 is teeming with witches. The show mixes esotericism, eroticism and music, breaking the mold of Italian television at the time. Set in a universe populated by demons, goblins and witches, the program features artists such as Amanda Lear, Ombretta Colli, Grace Jones and Patty Pravo. Despite controversy for its provocative content, Stryx managed to leave an indelible mark on television culture, even winning international awards such as the “Golden Rose” at the Montreux Festival. The praise was not enough, and after the sixth episode the program was cancelled due to controversy among various members of the television network and numerous phone calls of protest from viewers.
In the opening theme song, among several undressed girls we can recognize a very young Barbara D’Urso, wearing veils that are gradually removed until she shows her perfect breasts. In the first episode Grace Jones sings and dances wearing a skimpy dress. At the beginning of the second, Grace dances in a bikini inside a fountain, splashed by water and surrounded by soap bubbles. In the following episode, the singer wears a red lace bodice and tall leather boots. In the fifth episode Patty Pravo sings a song wearing a black jacket with nothing underneath. While performing she opens her jacket and shows us her breasts and a red question mark painted on her belly. In the sixth and final episode, Amanda Lear dances surrounded by half-naked dancers, wearing a tattered black jumpsuit that leaves a thigh, ass and part of her breast exposed. Ombretta Colli does not undress but gives some sexy skits playing Ludmilla the chamomile witch.
