Francesca Astrei, the 34-year-old playwright who won the Ubu Award for under‑35 writers, debuted her new play Gli elefanti nella stanza at a Rome theatre on Tuesday. The production centers on disability and family dynamics, portraying a mother’s struggle to care for her adult son with a physical impairment. Astrei said the script draws from her own experiences and aims to challenge social stigma.
Directed by Luca Bianchi, the show features a small cast and minimalist set design, emphasizing dialogue over spectacle. Audience members reported a mix of empathy and discomfort, noting the realistic portrayal of everyday obstacles faced by disabled families. Critics anticipate the play could influence broader discussions on accessibility in Italian cultural institutions.
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