Desperate to escape his reality, Italian teenager Gio runs away and hides in a cave. When his classmate Mirko finds him, the boys embark on an unexpected journey towards self-discovery and acceptance, setting in motion a series of dramatic consequences… What does it take to accept yourself when nobody else does?

HIDE and SEEK won the 2019 Mario Fratti Award at In Scena! Italian Theater Festival NY. The worldwide premiere of the English Translation was presented in May 2022 at the Tank, NYC.

“A gut-punch work. Dispassionate response is an impossibility. Rossi skillfully transmits every action as a convincing part of a savage, despairing world view. The actors are to be commended; both fiercely communicate the tangle of torment and allure that binds the young men. Director Carlotta Brentan equally maintains an intensity across the 75-minutes in both the quiet and clamorous moments.”

★★★★★ Lost in Theatreland

“A harrowing tale of teenage cruelty and prejudice. Tobia Rossi has impeccable aim as a playwright. The colloquial, socially aware dialogue unfolds naturally under Carlotta Brentan’s direction and English translation. Issam Al Ghussain and Nico Cetrulo are strikingly honest performers who elevate intriguing, complicated characters. The piece twists and turns unpredictably with thought-provoking observations and a heartbreaking foundation.”

★★★★ BroadwayWorld

“One of the best shows of this year's VAULT Festival, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats for 75 minutes. Nico Cetrulo & Issam Al Ghussain have great chemistry, and create an immediate connection with the audience. It's one of those plays that will stay with you for a long time.”

★★★★ London Theatre Reviews

“Rossi successfully taps into the current culture of social media and the unhealthy drive to obtain likes and shares. Director Carlotta Brentan, who also translates the Italian text, allows her actors suitable breathing space. This affords a high degree of naturalism, which makes any heightened moments all the more shocking and powerful. We believe in the characters, thanks to the carefully considered direction and intricate performances.”

- The Reviews Hub

VAULT FESTIVAL Show Of The Week Nominee

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