On a warm Sicilian morning, the ancient stones of the Greek Theatre of Akrai shimmer under the sun. The semicircular rows, carved into the hillside of Palazzolo Acreide, have stood for over two millennia, but in late spring they come alive with new energy. Here, hundreds of students from across Europe and beyond gather, their voices resonating with the timeless cadences of Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Euripides. Yet what might seem like a scene from antiquity is in fact one of today’s most vibrant celebrations of youth and creativity in Europe: the International Festival of Classical Theatre for Young People.
Since 1991, this festival has transformed a small but extraordinary Sicilian town into a cultural hub. Organized by the INDA Foundation—Italy’s National Institute for Ancient Drama—the festival is among the institution’s most important activities. Founded in 1914, INDA has staged for more than a century the celebrated classical season at the grand Greek Theatre of Syracuse, establishing itself as Italy’s foremost promoter of classical culture. The festival in Palazzolo represents its lasting commitment to the future of theatre: a laboratory where young voices breathe new vitality into texts written thousands of years ago.
Roots of a Bold Vision
The festival was born from the imagination of Giusto Monaco, convinced that classical theatre could not survive if confined to academia or professional stages alone. It needed fresh voices, he argued—voices unafraid of experimenting. Supported by INDA’s long-standing tradition in Syracuse, the idea took shape in Palazzolo Acreide, where the more intimate theatre of Akrai offered the perfect stage for young talent.
From the outset, support came from many directions. INDA provided institutional backing and expertise, while local authorities, schools, and cultural associations contributed resources and enthusiasm.
Festival palazzolo
More Than a Festival
What distinguishes the International Festival of Classical Theatre for Young People is not merely the number of productions staged—though the figures are impressive. In 2025 alone, over 2,200 students presented 85 performances, bringing the total to more than 60,000 participants since its inception. What truly matters, however, is the philosophy behind it.
The festival is conceived as a space for creativity and dialogue, not competition. Students from diverse backgrounds—whether high school amateurs or academy-trained actors—share the same stage. They take part in workshops with renowned teachers, exchange perspectives across borders, and experience theatre as a collective endeavor. The focus is on participation, learning, and inclusivity. The aim is not to crown the best performance, but to ensure that every participant leaves with a deeper appreciation of classical texts and greater confidence in their own creative abilities.
One of the festival’s most fascinating features is its rhythm: mornings in Palazzolo, afternoons in Syracuse. Each day, students perform their own productions at the theatre of Akrai, surrounded by the rural beauty of the Iblei mountains. Then, in the afternoon, they travel to the grand Greek Theatre of Syracuse, where they attend INDA’s professional productions. This dual experience—actors in the morning, spectators in the afternoon—creates a unique dialogue between education and tradition, between youthful experimentation and professional mastery.
Equally important is the festival’s role as a meeting place. For many participants, the most lasting memories are not only of the stage but also of the friendships formed beyond it. Teenagers and young adults from across Italy, Europe, and beyond come together in a spirit of openness, sharing rehearsals, meals, and laughter. The festival thus becomes a vibrant social space, fostering intercultural dialogue and lasting bonds that transcend borders.
Innovation That Won Over the Jury
In 2023, the festival received the prestigious European Heritage Award/Europa Nostra Award, a recognition that highlighted its exceptional contribution to cultural heritage. The jury’s statement captured its innovative spirit:
“The festival significantly contributes to the preservation and revitalisation of classical theatre. It stands out for its innovative approach to engaging youth in cultural heritage, and has had great success in fostering a deeper appreciation of classical texts among a new generation.”
The innovation lies precisely in its ability to bridge past and present. While classical texts remain the foundation, the interpretations are anything but static. Students create a dialogue between antiquity and modernity, proving that classical theatre is a living art, capable of addressing the dilemmas of the 21st century.
Photo Gianni Luigi Carnera
A Unique Challenge
The International Festival of Classical Theatre for Young People is a major challenge on many levels, first and foremost logistical, given the need to coordinate and welcome thousands of students, teachers, and productions from different cultures and languages. For the INDA Foundation, inclusivity remains a cornerstone, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to take part in the event.
Lessons Learned and Looking Ahead
In over thirty years, the festival has gathered valuable lessons. One is the importance of balancing tradition and experimentation. The key lies in honoring the text while allowing reinterpretation through the eyes of today’s youth.
Another is the essential role of community engagement. One of the festival’s major strengths is its strong collaboration with the institutions and the community of Palazzolo Acreide. This synergy is indispensable to ensure that the organizational machinery works smoothly and that all participating schools enjoy the best conditions to present their productions, have fun, and spend their days between Palazzolo Acreide and Syracuse immersed in art and theatre.
Defining Excellence
Excellence at the International Festival of Classical Theatre for Young People in Palazzolo Acreide means, above all, cultivating a space where education, creativity, and heritage intertwine, creating a virtuous cycle in which the words of the great classical tragedians not only come back to life but also turn today’s youth into ambassadors—not only of theatre, but also of the values and teachings that, even after thousands of years, still resonate so powerfully.
A Living Legacy
Today, the International Festival of Classical Theatre for Young People is much more than an annual event. It is a living testament to the relevance of Europe’s classical heritage and to the power of young people to keep it alive. From the quiet streets of Palazzolo Acreide, a small Sicilian town has projected its voice across Europe, reminding us that the stories carved in marble and written on parchment millennia ago still echo in our hearts.
The enthusiasm, passion, and vitality of these young people are the clearest signs that classical theatre is not a closed chapter of history. It is a dialogue, renewed each year by new voices—each time more vibrant, more urgent, more human. The International Festival of Classical Theatre for Young People ensures that this dialogue will continue, uniting generations and cultures on the timeless stages of Palazzolo and Syracuse.