Bagnasco Amateur Theatre Festival

A season of popular theatre in Bagnasco

The Bagnasco Amateur Theatre Festival is one of the most cherished cultural events in the small town of Bagnasco, located in the province of Cuneo, in the heart of Piedmont along the Tanaro Valley. Created to promote amateur theatre and the Piedmontese dialect, the festival brings together some of the best amateur troupes from the Monregalese and Cebano areas every winter, treating the audience to a series of brilliant, popular-style comedies.

Who organizes it

The event is managed by the Bagnasco Pro Loco in close collaboration with the Compagnia del Teatro Marenco of Ceva, a historic pillar of amateur theatre in the Cuneo area. This synergy between the local tourism association and the theatre company is the key to the festival's success: combining warm hospitality and organization with artistic expertise and a network of Piedmontese theatre groups.

Where it takes place

All performances are staged at the Sala San Giacomo in Bagnasco, an intimate and welcoming space perfect for community theatre. Evenings are held on Fridays at 9:00 PM, brightening the Bagnasco winter with events running from January to March.

The Piedmontese dialect takes center stage

A distinctive feature of the festival is the focus on the Piedmontese dialect: most of the comedies on the bill are performed in the local language, reflecting a deep bond with the oral and popular traditions of this part of the Ligurian Alps and the Tanaro Valley. For the audience, it is a precious opportunity to hear the dialect in all its comic vibrancy, while for younger generations, it serves as a bridge to their local roots.

Why it's worth attending

• A programme of brilliant dialect comedies at affordable prices.
• The authentic atmosphere of a Piedmontese village gathering at the theatre.
• The high quality of amateur troupes from the Cuneo region.
• The chance to discover Bagnasco and the Tanaro Valley off-season.

The Amateur Theatre Festival is now a staple of cultural life in Bagnasco and the entire province of Cuneo, attracting spectators from neighbouring towns thanks to a simple, winning formula: good theatre, close to home, and accessible to all.