Commedia dell'arte meets Saint Francis in Assisi
Art Rock Maskè is a theatre and commedia dell'arte festival held in Assisi, in the province of Perugia. Conceived by Teatro Studio Assisi, the event has an original approach: to create a dialogue between the tradition of commedia dell'arte masks and the figure of Saint Francis, whom tradition remembers as the "Jester of God" for his joyful and popular way of living and proclaiming the faith.
The review is part of the rich programme of Assisi Estate, promoted by the Municipality of Assisi in collaboration with local cultural associations, which offers music, art, theatre, and spirituality from spring to autumn. In 2026, the year of the VIII Centenary of Saint Francis's death, the link between theatre and Franciscan identity takes on an even deeper meaning.
Commedia dell'arte is one of the great inventions of Italian theatre, based on improvisation, fixed masks, and direct audience interaction. Art Rock Maskè rediscovers its expressive power in Assisi, a city that has always combined art, faith, and hospitality, offering spectators vibrant theatre rooted in Umbrian popular culture.
The 2026 edition of Art Rock Maskè is scheduled in Assisi from September 3 to 5, within the Assisi Estate 2026 programme. The festival, curated by Teatro Studio Assisi, dedicates three days to theatre and commedia dell'arte, reinterpreted in dialogue with the Franciscan figure of the "Jester of God". It falls in the year of the VIII Centenary of Saint Francis's death, which serves as a common thread for the city's entire summer programming.
The detailed programme of shows, including titles, companies, and times, will be announced by Teatro Studio Assisi closer to the event. The 2026 review spans three days (September 3-5) dedicated to theatre and commedia dell'arte in the historic centre of Assisi, as part of Assisi Estate 2026.
Assisi is reachable by train (Santa Maria degli Angeli station, Foligno-Terontola line, connected to the historic centre by bus) and by car from the Perugia expressway. The shows are held in the historic centre.
For times, venues, and admission procedures for the shows, consult Teatro Studio Assisi and the Assisi Estate programme.
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