Workshop with Simon Stephens in Milan

“We need stories again. In a time of poverty, we need our storytellers do their work properly. It is only through lightness, fun and anarchy that we can really investigate the darkest areas of human existence. So we investigate horror with lightness and play.”
Simon Stephens

Simon Stephens Returns to Milan for an Exclusive Playwriting Workshop

After five successful editions, which brought together artists from Italy, the United Kingdom, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Poland, and the USA — and following the triumph of his play The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, which drew over 20,000 spectators at the Teatro Elfo Puccini — Simon Stephens returns to Milan by popular demand for an unmissable two-day workshop.

A unique opportunity for playwrights, directors, and actors to learn from a master who combines passion, humanity, and a deeply inspiring approach.

“Thoughts, laughter, notes, and inspirations from the weekend are still spinning in my head. To use Simon’s own definition of nostalgia—something from the past that was interrupted and that we wish had continued—I already feel nostalgic.”
— Testimonial from a participant

Workshop Details
 Dates: Saturday 23rd & Sunday 24th May
 Time: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
 Location: Isolacasateatro, Milan (M4 underground stop Isola)
 Language: English (a good command of both written and spoken English is required)
 Available spots: 10 (limited capacity)

In addition to the workshop sessions, participants will have the chance to take part in exclusive side events, including visits, meetings, and performances throughout the weekend.

Registration & Fees
 Participation fee: €250
(The registration fee is non-refundable)
Please click on the link to register.
The first 10 applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
The final deadline for registration is Friday 24 April.

 For participants coming from outside Milan, we are happy to assist in finding affordable accommodation options.

A unique opportunity for theatre lovers who wish to deepen their artistic journey with one of the most influential voices in contemporary playwriting.

SIMON STEPHENS
Simon Stephens (Manchester, 1971) is one of the most acclaimed contemporary British playwrights of his generation. After studying History at the University of York, he worked as a teacher before dedicating himself fully to writing for the theatre. He is known for his intense, realistic style and his ability to explore human relationships, alienation, and emotional vulnerability with depth and sensitivity. His plays have been staged at major UK theatres, including the Royal Court Theatre and the National Theatre in London.
Among his most celebrated works are Motortown (2006) and the stage adaptation of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time (2012), which won numerous international awards, including Olivier Awards and Tony Awards.
In 2023, he also wrote Vanya, a radical solo reimagining of Chekhov’s Uncle Vanya. The London production, starring Andrew Scott, achieved major critical and public success, winning the 2024 Laurence Olivier Award for Best Revival along with several other honours.
Since 2017, he has been Professor of Scriptwriting at Manchester Metropolitan University.

The first 10 applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
The final deadline for registration is Friday 24 April.

Source: direct contact