Anfiteatro Naturalis

An open-air theatre amidst the Casentino woods

Anfiteatro Naturalis is a festival that has transformed Chiusi della Verna, a small town in the province of Arezzo surrounded by the Casentino forests, into a natural stage. The heart of the event is the open-air amphitheatre carved into the Parco Martiri della Libertà: a space where theatre engages in a dialogue with the Apennine landscape, the golden light of sunset, and the profound silence of the Tuscan mountains.

A three-year project for local villages

The festival was established in 2024 as part of the PNRR program "Village Attractiveness – Line B," a three-year initiative (2024–2026) developed in collaboration between the municipalities of Chiusi della Verna and Ortignano Raggiolo. The goal is clear: to use culture as a catalyst to revitalize small Apennine towns, involve local residents, and attract new visitors. The program goes beyond performances to include workshops, artist residencies, and community projects, such as the Community Map coordinated by the Casentino Ecomuseum.

Theatre, nature, and community

What makes Anfiteatro Naturalis unique is its format: performances are often itinerant, leading the audience along trails from the municipal library to the amphitheatre, or through the iconic sites tied to the Franciscan tradition, honoring the legacy of Saint Francis and the Sanctuary of La Verna. The program, designed for all ages, features theatrical walks, micro-theatre, national premieres, and original productions.

The companies

Over the years, the festival has hosted some of the most renowned names in Italian experimental theatre, including Stivalaccio Teatro from Vicenza, Zaches Teatro from Scandicci, the company Gli Omini from Pistoia, and CasermArcheologica, under the artistic direction of Samuele Boncompagni and Chiara Renzi. The programming ranges from children's theatre to social theatre, and from sunset concerts to puppet theatre.

Why it's worth attending

• Free performances in a unique natural setting within the Tuscan Apennines.
• Itinerant theatre that invites you to discover the trails and villages of the Casentino.
• A perfect opportunity to visit Chiusi della Verna, the Sanctuary of La Verna, and the Foreste Casentinesi National Park.
• An event built with and for the local community.

A precious appointment for those seeking authentic theatre, far from the mainstream circuits, immersed in the beauty of the greenest heart of Tuscany.