by Nina Vaclavikova
Interviews: Serena Tonel, Deputy Mayor and Councilor for Economic Development, Theaters, and Major Events; Maurizio De Blasio, Councilor for Education and Schools
Local officials and civic groups presented a theater initiative aimed at prevention and public awareness, particularly among young people. The production, “Stupefatto – I Was 14, the Drugs Were Older Than Me,” will be staged on April 1 at 11 a.m. at the Teatro Bobbio in Trieste. Conceived as both an educational and cultural event, the performance is part of a broader effort to address substance abuse through collaboration among public institutions, schools and the arts.
City officials described the initiative as an example of collective engagement in confronting addiction. Serena Tonel, Trieste’s deputy mayor and councilor for economic activities and theaters, said the performance—while designed with students in mind—would be open to the wider public. She emphasized the importance of involving not only young people but also families and the broader community in prevention efforts.
Maurizio De Blasio, the councilor for education and family policies, pointed to what he described as a troubling trend: the decreasing age at which young people first encounter drugs or develop forms of dependency. He said firsthand testimony, such as that offered through theater, can be more effective than traditional lectures in reaching younger audiences. Schools and teachers, he added, have joined the initiative with the goal of making a tangible impact, even if it means helping just one individual.
The play, produced by ANLA FVG in collaboration with the Municipality of Trieste and supported by Fondazione CRTrieste and Teatro Stabile La Contrada, is performed by the Milan-based company Itineraria Teatro, known for its work in socially engaged theater. The production is based on a true story and stars the actor Fabrizio De Giovanni, who has been recognized at the national level for his artistic and civic contributions.
In recent years, “Stupefatto” has been staged in hundreds of middle and high schools across Italy, reaching more than 150,000 students. Its approach combines factual information with emotionally direct storytelling, aiming to encourage critical thinking and informed decision-making among young audiences.
Organizers say the use of theater as an educational tool can foster a more immediate and personal connection with viewers, making it a potentially effective method of prevention. The initiative reflects growing concern over substance abuse among youth and underscores the role of cultural programs in addressing social issues.
ANLA FVG, which promotes the project, was founded in 1949 and is composed largely of former industrial workers. The association is active in cultural, volunteer and research activities across the region, with a focus on sharing experience and knowledge with younger generations.
