When we talk about "theater against gender violence," the focus isn't just on what happens on stage, but also on the institutional networks that support public debate. This was the case for First Face, a text by Suzie Miller produced by Compagnia Finzi Pasca, which in Milan inaugurated an increasingly strong collaboration between the Consulate General of Switzerland in Milan and the City of Milan. This alliance was also renewed thanks to the participation of the City of Lugano, with a shared commitment to human rights and the need to combat all forms of abuse.
A Milanese debut with a strong symbolic value
On November 25th, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, the show premiered at the Teatro Franco Parenti. Melissa Vettore's intense performance, directed by Daniele Finzi Pasca, intertwines with music by Maria Bonzanigo, costumes by Giovanna Buzzi, set design by Matteo Verlicchi, and video design by Roberto Vitalini, in a production by the Compagnia Finzi Pasca.
The opening evening was introduced by Luca Dini, director of the magazine F , who, together with the Municipality of Milan, promoted the manifesto “A MAN RESPECTS,” inviting the men present in the room to sign a symbolic gesture of civil responsibility.
A cross-border collaboration in favor of theater and against gender violence
The following day, November 26th, before the repeat performance, a delegation from the City of Lugano attended speeches by Andrée Ruth Shammah, director of the Franco Parenti Theater; Tommaso Sacchi, Councilor for Culture for the City of Milan; and Roberto Badaracco, Deputy Mayor of Lugano. Their remarks emphasized how the fight against gender violence knows no geographical or institutional boundaries.
After the show, a panel moderated by Ticino journalist Natascha Lusenti brought together figures from the worlds of culture, business, and associations: Melissa Vettore, Giovanna Iannantuoni, Luisanna Tedde, and Manuela Ulivi addressed the issues of social responsibility, the role of institutions, and the urgency of making visible what is too often silenced.
Statements that define a common line
The words of Milan's Councillor for Culture, Tommaso Sacchi, summed up the initiative's purpose:
Theater is a space of awareness capable of sparking dialogue and responsibility. With Prima Facie and the Consulate General of Switzerland, we reaffirm Milan's commitment to combating gender-based violence and supporting victims, ensuring that no voice goes unheard.
At the same time, the Swiss Consul General in Milan, Stefano Lazzarotto, highlighted the educational and intergenerational dimension of the project:
Making violence against women visible is everyone's duty. Supporting cultural projects that raise awareness means contributing to real change, especially when considering young people, who represent tomorrow's society.
The evening received the joint patronage of the Municipality of Milan, the Consulate General of Switzerland in Milan, and the Consulate General of Brazil in Milan, confirming the desire to converge on a common goal: promoting culture and awareness as tools for prevention.
The next stops on the tour
The dialogue between Milan and Lugano doesn't end on the stage of the Franco Parenti. Prima Facie will be hosted by the LAC Lugano Arte e Cultura from March 6 to 8, 2026, on the occasion of International Women's Day, before continuing its Italian tour.
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Lugano – LAC Lugano Art and Culture
📅 March 6–8, 2026 -
Assisi – Lyrick Theatre
📅 March 20, 2026 -
Turin – Colosseum Theater
📅 March 26–27, 2026 -
Padua – Verdi Theater
📅 March 31, 2026
