Director’s Note

There is so much that can be said about Pier Giorgio Frassati and the impact he had in his own lifetime as well as the relevance of his story for today. As the playwright, I’m inclined to let the play speak for itself, but I will say this: I’ve attempted to write more of a spiritual biographical drama than a strictly historical biographical drama. The play is deeply rooted in historical events and people, but more than trying to tell a compelling historical story, I’m ultimately trying to tell an even more compelling spiritual story.

I was struck in my research by the many parallels between Frassati’s time and ours, both politically and culturally. It just goes to show that human nature never changes, and yet Pier Giorgio provides a beautiful example of the greatness we’re all capable of. But his greatness was not found in worldly power or might, or in grasping for the allurements and comforts of this life, rather it was found hidden within this great paradox: “whoever wishes to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for my sake will find it.” (Matt 16:25)

– Jeremy Stanbary