Milan’s Teatro Franco Parenti is set to premiere a powerful fresh work, Il mio nome è Maria Stuarda (My Name is Maria Stuarda), from February 24th to March 8th, 2026. The production, written by Nicoletta Verna and developed within a project spearheaded by Andrée Ruth Shammah, promises a searing exploration of violence against women, both historical and contemporary. The play stars Marina Rocco in the titular role, with a live musical score featuring saxophonist Marina Notaro, who will be replaced by Serena Tarozzo on March 7th and 8th. This production arrives at a crucial moment, as conversations surrounding gender-based violence continue to gain prominence globally.
Verna, a rising voice in Italian literature, brings a unique perspective to the stage. Her novel, I giorni di vetro (Glass Days), published by Einaudi in 2024, was a critical and commercial success, earning a nomination for the prestigious Premio Strega literary award. The Premio Strega is one of Italy’s most important literary prizes, recognizing the best work of fiction published in the Italian language. In 2025, I giorni di vetro further solidified Verna’s reputation by winning both the Premio letterario dell’Unione Europea and the Premio Racalmare Leonardo Sciascia. This theatrical adaptation marks Verna’s debut as a playwright, translating her compelling narrative style to the stage.
A Story Rooted in History, Resonating Today
Il mio nome è Maria Stuarda is set in 1940s Italy, a period still reeling from the aftermath of World War II. The play centers on Maria Stuarda, a woman grappling with the insidious effects of domestic abuse and exploitation in the workplace. Verna’s script portrays a protagonist subjected to the controlling behavior of her husband and the predatory actions of her employer. The name “Maria Stuarda,” chosen by her impoverished father as a symbol of aspiration – a nod to the ill-fated Queen of Scots – becomes a burden, representing the weight of societal expectations and the limitations imposed upon women. The play doesn’t shy away from depicting the subtle and devastating forms of psychological and physical violence that often go unreported or are minimized.
The production’s exploration of violence extends beyond the historical setting, drawing parallels to contemporary issues. As noted in reports by the United Nations, violence against women remains a pervasive global problem, affecting one in three women worldwide. The play’s narrative incorporates a courtroom scene addressing a rape case, highlighting the deeply ingrained prejudices that victims often face within the legal system. This juxtaposition of past and present underscores the enduring nature of these challenges and the urgent necessitate for systemic change.
Marina Rocco Embodies a Complex Protagonist
Marina Rocco’s portrayal of Maria Stuarda is central to the play’s emotional impact. Rocco is a seasoned actress with a strong connection to the Teatro Franco Parenti, having previously collaborated with director Andrée Ruth Shammah on productions of Ondine and A Doll’s House. She also starred as La Maria Brasca during the theater’s 50th-anniversary celebration. Rocco’s previous roles, including her performance in Filippo Timi’s Amleto², demonstrate her versatility and range. The Teatro Franco Parenti, founded in 1972, has a long history of supporting innovative and socially conscious theater.
This role marks a shift towards more dramatic territory for Rocco, demanding a nuanced performance centered on both spoken word and physical expression. Director Andrea Piazza, a graduate of the Paolo Grassi Academy and a finalist at the Biennale Teatro, guides Rocco through a minimalist staging that emphasizes the protagonist’s internal struggles and the fragmentation of her identity. The scenic design focuses on memory and the tension between individual experience and collective history. Piazza’s direction aims to create a space where Maria Stuarda’s story can resonate with audiences on a deeply personal level.
A Production Focused on Resistance and Remembrance
Il mio nome è Maria Stuarda is not simply a recounting of past trauma; it is a testament to the power of resistance. The play’s creators emphasize that the body becomes a site of conflict, whereas language serves as an act of defiance. The production is a core component of the Teatro Franco Parenti’s 2026 season, representing a commitment to original works and in-house productions. The leverage of live music, with Marina Notaro’s saxophone providing an evocative soundscape, further enhances the play’s emotional depth and underscores the themes of memory and loss.
The play’s exploration of violence, both psychological and physical, is particularly relevant in a world grappling with ongoing issues of gender inequality and abuse. According to data from the World Health Organization, violence against women is a major public health problem and a violation of human rights. Il mio nome è Maria Stuarda offers a powerful and timely reminder of the importance of acknowledging these issues and working towards a more just and equitable society.
Key Takeaways
- A Timely Exploration: The play tackles the sensitive and crucial topic of violence against women, connecting historical experiences to contemporary challenges.
- Strong Creative Team: The production brings together a talented team, including playwright Nicoletta Verna, director Andrea Piazza, and actress Marina Rocco.
- Innovative Staging: The minimalist staging and use of live music create an immersive and emotionally resonant experience for the audience.
- Socially Conscious Theater: Il mio nome è Maria Stuarda aligns with the Teatro Franco Parenti’s commitment to producing original and thought-provoking work.
As Il mio nome è Maria Stuarda prepares to open at the Teatro Franco Parenti, audiences can anticipate a deeply moving and thought-provoking theatrical experience. The production promises to spark important conversations about violence, resilience, and the enduring power of the human spirit. The play’s run concludes on March 8th, 2026, and the Teatro Franco Parenti will continue its season with a diverse range of performances. For more information about the Teatro Franco Parenti and its upcoming productions, visit their official website at https://teatrofrancoparenti.it/.
We encourage readers to share their thoughts and reactions to this upcoming production in the comments below. Let’s continue the conversation about the important themes explored in Il mio nome è Maria Stuarda.
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