As the sun sets over the sea and ancient silence fills in the cavea, the chorus and actors take the stage. This is the scene that awaits you during the cycle of performances at the Greek theatre of Syracuse. If you’re someone who enjoys unique cultural experiences, let yourself be captivated by the magic of timeless beauty.
Located within the archaeological park of Neapolis, the Greek theatre of Syracuse – dating back to the 5th century BC – offers contemporary audiences the chance to immerse themselves in the setting of classical drama and culture.
Each year, this evocative stage draws renowned directors, actors, dancers and spectators from all over the world, a diverse and international crowd, ready to experience Greek tragedies from the oldest theater in the Western world.
The 60th edition of the classical season opens on May 9 and runs until July 6, featuring four new productions: Electra, Lysistrata, Oedipus at Colonus and The Iliad.
A modern revival of ancient theatre
Attending a performance at the Greek theatre of Syracuse is far from ordinary, it’s a one-of-a-kind experience made possible by the manu professionals who bring it to life each year.
The INDA Foundation (Istituto Nazionale del Dramma Antico), founded in 1998 with roots dating back to 1914, is the organization behind the event at the Greek theatre, managing every detail of the festival season after season.
In addition to the actors, dancers, composers and directors who adapt the works of the great dramatists and playwrights of ancient Greece, the show also relies heavily on the creativity of set designers.
INDA’s scenic workshop has the unique task of transforming vision into form ready to inhabit the millennial stone of the theater. Each production uses the majesty of the Syracuse stage to create a visual and emotional experience not to be missed.
Every detail and scenic element is designed to connect with the space, its history and the gaze of a modern-day audience.
Theatre that speaks to the world
This year’s programme includes a new production by Canadian director Robert Carsen, who returns to Syracuse after his successful staging of Oedipus Rex in 2022 to direct Oedipus at Colonus.
But Carsen won’t be the only international presence. Classical performances at the Greek Theatre have managed to attract an increasingly large and international audience: in the last two years, 340,000 spectators have taken their seats in the millennial stands.
To embrace this international spirit, the INDA Foundation continues to enhance accessibility for foreign visitors by offering real-time translation in English, French and Spanish – powered by artificial intelligence.
If you’re ready to be transported through myth, history, and timeless stories, the Greek Theatre of Syracuse is ready to welcome you for another unforgettable season of performances.
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