Federico Saba, the boy who dreams of Broadway

From the stage of Si 'e Boi to Italy's most sought-after theaters, alongside national stars seen until a few weeks ago only on TV. A dream come true for Federico Saba, 25, from Selargius, who, after making his amateur debut in his hometown, has taken flight overseas to build a future in the entertainment world. "Theatre is my life," he says while touring with the musical "Hair Spray, the Broadway," where he performs professionally.

His first mini-audiences were at summer camps in the city, where he worked for years as an entertainer with a local association. Then came the turning point four years ago with the founding of the company "I figli di Thalia," a theater group he founded with other peers after a year of restrictions and closures imposed by Covid. "A gamble taken almost by chance, without great expectations, yet the company grew year after year, and together we carried out important shows and collaborations," he says. "It was the opportunity that allowed me to realize how much I loved dancing and singing, and to test myself on the stage of my city."

Three years ago, I decided to begin studying at a musical theater academy also based in Cagliari. And from there came my first audition, along with the offer of a scholarship in Rome. "I auditioned in Florence at the end of July, and a few weeks later the production called to tell me I'd been accepted. Needless to say, I wasn't expecting it; it was all so surreal, and even today, I can hardly believe it."

My debut was a few days ago at the Crema theater, next week in Montecatini, then Verona, Bologna, Florence. "A series of theaters where I never thought I'd be able to perform." More than a passion. "What many don't understand is that this is a real job, which requires sacrifice and commitment, but also a lot of satisfaction. In Sardinia it's perhaps undervalued, while elsewhere there are productions that tour Italy and put on important shows." A dream come true, with my sights set on other goals. "Working behind the scenes as a director is definitely my greatest ambition," admits Federico Saba. "In the meantime, I'm enjoying this beautiful and unexpected moment."