In an award-winning Italian drama, a teenage boy disappears to a secluded cave to escape social discrimination and bullying.

Written by Tobia Rossi and translated and directed by Carlotta Brentan, Hide and Seek explores homophobia and bullying, self-discovery and acceptance. Faced with the contagious prejudice of a small Italian town, Gio has never felt accepted by his parents, peers or teachers. But when he runs away, his hiding place in a secluded cave is discovered by his classmate Mirko. 

As social media frenzy builds around his mysterious disappearance and Mirko becomes Gio’s only link to the outside world, their journey shines a light on the power of social media, exploring how discriminatory voices can profoundly impact young minds. Hide and Seek highlights how being yourself is still a risky proposition in our society when it comes to sexual orientation and independent thought. 

Hide and Seek Reviews.

‘A gut-punch work. Dispassionate response is an impossibility.’ ★★★★★ Lost in Theatreland. 

‘The piece twists and turns unpredictably with thought-provoking observations and a heartbreaking foundation. This is a company to watch.’ ★★★★ Broadway World.  

‘One of the best shows of this year’s VAULT Festival, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats for 75 minutes. It’s one of those plays that will stay with you for a long time.’ ★★★★ London Theatre Reviews.

Tickets for Hide and Seek: https://parktheatre.co.uk/whats-on/hide-and-seek

Director and translator Carlotta Brentan said, “Hide and Seek is a savage and – unfortunately – incredibly topical rollercoaster of a play. Its teenage protagonists, Gio and Mirko, challenge each other to examine the prejudice, careless cruelty and homophobia that persist unchecked in their small Italian village and which are all too universal to this day. Tobia Rossi’s light touch, the humour and paradoxical innocence of his characters, seduce us into opening our hearts to these heavy subjects. While the action takes place entirely within a dark, secluded cave, the questions Hide and Seek asks are far-reaching and necessary; the time to have these conversations is now.”

Tobia Rossi is one of Italy’s foremost playwrights. Hide and Seek won the 2019 Mario Fratti Award at In Scena! Italian Theater Festival NY.

Running Time: 85 mins approx | Suitable for ages 15+

Supported by: Il Circolo – Italian Cultural Association, The Sylvia Waddilove Foundation UK, Com.It.Es di Londra and BIS – British Italian Society 

More about ZAVA Productions:

Founded in 2022, ZAVA Productions is a UK theatre production company that champions emerging writers and specialises in developing and producing original plays and musicals that reflect and question our society. They support inspiring works focusing on female voice and minority, ethnicity and gender discrimination, giving audiences a new awareness and perspective. ZAVA are dedicated to promoting Italian playwriters and composers to create a cultural exchange. They also aim to support and share stories that reflect universal experiences and enrich connections between Italian and international cultures.