The Piece
I was commissioned as writer by Corriere della Sera, Italy’s leading newspaper, to co-author a philosophical dialogue on liberty and freedom of thought. Introduced by editor-in-chief Ferruccio de Bortoli, the piece was staged at Milan’s Teatro Franco Parenti under the direction of Andrée Ruth Shammah, with performances by Sandro Lombardi, Licia Maglietta, and Elia Schilton. The script explores civic tension, intellectual autonomy, and the ethical demands of public discourse.
Pubblico, vogliamo parlarti chiaro
con Sofia Francescutto
Set in a café, Pubblico, vogliamo parlarti chiaro follows three sharply defined voices: a pessimistic realist, a pragmatic moralist, and a pedantic academic. In Act I, they clash over the meaning of liberty and freedom of thought, each holding their philosophical ground without compromise. In Act II, a fictional premise—newspapers no longer exist—unites them in shared disillusionment over the loss of press freedom. The act unfolds through three monologues: the Grand Inquisitor, Gandhi’s resistance, and Milton’s defense of free speech. The play explores the limits of dialogue, and what’s lost when conversation dies.
My Role
Co-authored the script, contributing to the philosophical framing and narrative structure
Translated complex moral and political ideas into live dialogue and stageable conflict
Worked collaboratively with the director and cast to adjust tone, rhythm, and delivery
Helped shape a piece that merged civic thought and public performance in a national media context
"A powerful performance—rich in meaning yet made easy to grasp—that captivated the audience and, as Elia Schilton told us afterward, brought deep satisfaction to the actors themselves: the chance to share a message of truth with the public during such a difficult time."
— Elisa M, imieilibri.it
