In Taviano, a lively town in the southern stretch of Puglia, the 2026/2027 theatre season includes Figli, a play written by Mattia Torre. It is the kind of evening that turns a regular weeknight into something memorable, with a story most of us recognise from our own kitchen tables.
A Writer Who Knows How to Make Us Laugh at Ourselves
Mattia Torre was one of the most distinctive voices in contemporary Italian writing, also known for his work on the television series Boris. His style blends comedy with unease, turning everyday situations into something both absurd and painfully true.
In Figli, the subject is as universal as it gets: what children do to a couple's life, routines and certainties. Expect a text that makes the audience laugh first and think a little later, on the drive home.
What the Evening Feels Like
Local theatre has a warmth that big-city stages often lack. In Taviano you share the room with neighbours, friends and people who greet each other by name before the lights go down.
That closeness suits a play like this one. Laughter travels quickly through a theatre of this size, and the moments of recognition ripple from row to row.
- Sharp, rhythmic dialogue that rewards close listening
- Bittersweet humour about parenthood, tiredness and love
- Shared laughter that makes the room feel like one big family
- A conversation-starter for the walk to the car or the late bite afterwards
Making a Night of It on the Ionian Side
Taviano sits close to the Ionian coast, so an early afternoon can easily be spent by the sea before the curtain rises. Gallipoli, with its old town set on an island, is only a short drive away and perfect for a golden-hour stroll.
The beaches of the nearby coast are lovely in late spring and early autumn, when the light is soft and the crowds thin out. After the show, look for a small local spot serving something simple, such as a rustico leccese or a plate of local cheeses, and talk through your favourite lines.
Good to Know Before You Go
Since the production is part of a full season, it is worth following the venue's updates for the exact date and booking details. The play is a natural fit for a couple's night out, a group of friends, or parents who deserve an evening off. Older teenagers will likely enjoy it too, since the humour is grown-up in tone.
Arrive a little early to soak up the atmosphere in the foyer. In a town this size, the pre-show chatter is half the fun.
Whether you live nearby or are spending a few days on the Ionian side of Puglia, Figli offers a different kind of evening: no crowds of tourists, just good writing, good company and a story that stays with you.