MONTICCHIELLO, Italy — This walled village of just 200 residents perched in the hills south of Siena has always been a little isolated and, perhaps, a little conflicted about it.

It is famous for its resistance to past conquerors. At the same time, decades ago, it petitioned the authorities for a better, paved road to connect to the rest of the world.

Since 1967, the villagers have conducted an annual exercise in collective self-analysis, self-absorption and self-motivation, turning their inner struggles, doubts, hopes and fears into art.

Every summer, they have staged a theater performance in which they act out — what else? — the story of their own lives.