Not all thieves come to harm you.

Non tutti i ladri vengono per nuocere.

This play was written by Dario Fo in 1958 and is a classic example of his absurd and satirical style. The play opens with a thief breaking into an upscale apartment, only to be interrupted by the sudden arrival of the apartment’s owner and his mistress, who are engaged in a heated argument. The situation spirals into chaos as more characters enter, including the owner's wife and other unexpected guests. The thief, initially the intruder, becomes an unwilling witness to the hypocrisy and moral decay of the characters. In a series of comedic misunderstandings and lies, the upper-class characters reveal their own corruption, selfishness, and deceit, ultimately appearing more criminal than the actual thief. The play satirises upper class morality, infidelity, and social hypocrisy, delivering sharp political commentary.

This performance is in Italian and accessible for a non-Italian speaking audience – join us in this experiment to ask how an English-speaking audience can understand the play.

See more about the production.

Being Human 2025

This project was produced in collaboration with the 2025 Being Human Festival. Founded in the UK as the only national festival of the humanities, Being Human is now a global celebration dedicated to demonstrating the breadth, diversity and vitality of the humanities.

View the full Festival program here.

Contact the host of Non tutti i ladri vengono per nuocere | The Virtuous Burglar | Sunday 16 November

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