“Il Disobbediente” debuts on Wednesday 18 March 2026 in the National Premiere at the Camploy Theater in Verona, a theatrical show inspired by the moment in which Andrea Franzoso’s life changed forever. In fact, ten years have passed since the whistleblowing case in which he was involved.
The whistleblowing consists of reporting an offense from within a company or institution. Andrea Franzoso did it: in 2015 he reported the improper use of public funds by the then president of Northern Milan Railwaysthe company where he worked. From that day his life changed radically: he became a successful writer, author of bestsellers including himself “The disobedient” (published by BUR and in a children’s version for DeA) e “I was a bully. The true story of Daniel Zaccaro”. A profession, that of the writer, in which he reflects himself much more and which he feels deeply his own.
Every year Franzoso meets thousands of students around Italybringing his story into the classroom. The show, however, not only seeks an audience of children, but also speaks powerfully to teachers, adults and families, asking universal ethical questions about civil responsibility.
Ten years have passed since that “turning point” that changed his life. What effect does it have on you to think back to that very complicated moment today that his story has become a theatrical show?
«That moment allowed a real turning point: a different life opened up. Today I am a writer, I make a living writing children’s books. By staying true to my values and non-negotiable principles, I have built a life that I feel is more beautiful than before. I realized that I couldn’t be satisfied with a salary or a career; I needed meaning. That choice back then led me to the life that I feel deeply mine today.”
He writes a lot for kids. How difficult is it to show them that moral integrity is not a “superpower”, but a daily choice available to everyone?
«Kids need examples, not theories. Especially when we talk about ethics, the adult must be credible and coherent: children look for this consistency. To convey certain values you need stories, not nice speeches. There is a need for a narrative with which they can identify, because by seeing the concrete example they understand that that path can be followed by them too.”
Your book was a great success, but why did you feel the need to bring this story to the theatre? What does the stage add to the written page?
«I never wanted to become a “character”. Theater allows me to make my story universal. In fact, the show is not the chronicle of the facts, but is freely inspired by them. Anyone can feel challenged by the ethical questions that the show poses, questions that sometimes come as a punch in the stomach. Theater touches deep chords, like the ethical dilemma of Sophocles’ Antigone. Through the word, sound and vision, that story is no longer just mine, but becomes everyone’s.”
His complaint contributed to changing the rules on whistleblowing in Italy. Are you aiming to change the perception of the word “disobedience” with this show?
«We need to understand this term. Disobedience is neither positive nor negative in itself: it depends on what you disobey and what you obey. I obeyed my conscience, I disobeyed certain rules of the game that were dirty, with the thought of “mind your own business”. The title of my book is an intuition by Milena Gabanelli that the publishers really liked, but it must be explained well: it is not rebellion as an end in itself. It is the choice not to remain silent in the face of silence. This is exactly what needs to be explained to the kids: that disobeying wrong orders or unwritten laws that allow bad behavior is an act of civil responsibility.”
Details and info on the show
The production, curated by Aida ETS ICC Foundation and Zanotto Foundationsees the direction and theatrical adaptation by Alice Baraldo, who signs the drama together with Franzoso himself. The actors Nicolò Bruno, Lorenzo Feltrin and Giulia Lacorte will take to the stage, with the sets and costumes by Luca Zanolli.
The appointment is for Wednesday 18 March 2026 at the Camploy Theater in Verona. Entrance is free, but booking is highly recommended.
To book: Aida Foundation booking link
More information: www.fondazioneaida.it
