Both of the Italian short plays; 'Gli Adolescenti' and 'La Lettera' are intended to be used for educational purposes, as a high school based reading resource, to compliment the learning of the Italian language or for lovers of the Italian language. With the inclusion of English stage directions, the characters begin to come alive as they explore the many facets of being a teenager in 'Gli Adolescenti', and to delving into a forbidden love story in 'La Lettera'. Each Italian play has an introductory summary, written in English, in order to assist in understanding each of the performance themes. The topics of independence, rebellion, growing up and taking responsibility, autonomy, war, forbidden love, loss and hope are portrayed in the two Italian short plays. Coming from an Italian background, it is important to pass on the joy of the Italian language to the next generation and to continue to hold the torch of light and love through the creative art form of theatrical storytelling. Be prepared for each character to take you on a cultural journey and to discover the magic and excitement of being immersed in the Italian language.