I cattivi pensieri at Teatro Elsa Morante, performances from October 24 to November 6, 2026

"I cattivi pensieri" ("Bad thoughts") is the show by Laboratorio Teatrale Integrato Piero Gabrielli, directed by Roberto Gandini, at Teatro Elsa Morante in Rome, on Via Guido da Verona (Municipio IX): performances are on October 24 and 25, from October 27 to 30 and from November 3 to 6, 2026. Teatro di Roma recommends it for ages 11 and up, and tickets include a reduced rate of 7 euros and a school rate of 6 euros.

Language: a performance based on dance, music or visual acts; no English version is announced, any spoken parts are in Italian.

Updated October 26, 2026.

The official description

A train crosses the night. On board are four teenagers who don't know each other.

Text from the official Cultura Roma Capitale page, source

The text is by Roberto Gandini and Roberto Scarpetti, freely inspired by the book "Tu non sai di me" by Luisa Mattia (Lapis). On stage are Iulia Bonagura, Ilaria Celani, Rebecca Lucia Gentile, Edoardo Maria Lombardo and Matteo Sbandi.

The theme is "bad thoughts," the reckless ideas that can surface in anyone's mind but that, during adolescence, risk turning into loneliness, inner conflict and difficulty communicating. During the journey the four young people start telling their stories and discover they have something in common: the day before leaving, each of them was struck by a thought they didn't find the courage to share.

The train becomes a metaphor for the inner journey, where stories, railroad sounds, songs and choreography give shape to emotions. The show invites young people and adults to give voice to their thoughts, overcoming the fear of other people's judgment and rediscovering the value of listening and dialogue.

It also grew out of a series of workshop sessions with students from some Roman high school classes, to check that the adults' imagination matched that of today's teenagers. The music is by Andrea Filippucci, sets and costumes by Tiziano Juno, and the production is by Teatro di Roma, Teatro Nazionale, together with Laboratorio Teatrale Integrato Piero Gabrielli.

Where it takes place: Teatro Elsa Morante

Teatro Elsa Morante is one of the venues of the 2026-2027 season of Teatro di Roma, titled "Il teatro è vita" ("Theater is life"). The official source places it on Via Guido da Verona, in Municipio IX, without giving the street number.

Teatro di Roma also programs shows at Teatro India and Teatro di Villa Torlonia, and the foundation's general calendar is on the page Sciroppo di Teatro 2026 at Teatro di Roma.

Practical information

• Dates: October 24 and 25, October 27, 28, 29 and 30, November 3, 4, 5 and 6, 2026
• Venue: Teatro Elsa Morante, Via Guido da Verona, Rome (Municipio IX)
• Recommended age: 11 and up
• Tickets: reduced 7 euros, schools 6 euros, other prices are on the Teatro di Roma website
• Performance times: on the Teatro di Roma website
• Getting there: check the ATAC route planner

FAQ about I cattivi pensieri

On which days are the performances?

October 24 and 25, from October 27 to 30 and from November 3 to 6, 2026.

What age is it recommended for?

Teatro di Roma recommends it for ages 11 and up, and the show is designed for teenagers and adults.

Who are the performers of "I cattivi pensieri"?

Iulia Bonagura, Ilaria Celani, Rebecca Lucia Gentile, Edoardo Maria Lombardo and Matteo Sbandi, directed by Roberto Gandini.

Which book is it based on?

It's freely inspired by "Tu non sai di me" by Luisa Mattia, published by Lapis.

Article written by the editorial team of Tour Leader Pro, contact them for Private/Corporate/V.I.P. Tours and Experiences.

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