Classical Performances Cycle at the Olympic Theatre
The great texts of classical theatre in Palladio's theatre
About Olympic Classics
Palladio's Theatre Becomes a Stage
The Classical Performances Cycle at the Olympic Theatre in Vicenza, Veneto, is one of the oldest and most famous theatre festivals in the country. It takes place in the Olympic Theatre, a masterpiece by Andrea Palladio completed by Vincenzo Scamozzi, the world's oldest surviving covered theatre and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its extraordinary permanent stage set, with its perspective view of the streets of Thebes, provides an irreplaceable backdrop for every performance.
Between Greek Tragedy and Contemporary Reinterpretations
The programme focuses on the great texts of classical theatre โ Greek tragedies and myths, primarily ancient epics and dramas โ presented in productions that blend fidelity to tradition with a contemporary outlook. Alongside the main performances at the Olympic Theatre, the festival brings shows to other symbolic locations in the city, such as the Palladian Basilica, and complements theatre with dance, talks, and training courses.
A Festival in Dialogue with the City
In addition to evening performances, the programme includes projects dedicated to local artists, activities for families, masterclasses, and public discussion forums. The Classical Cycle thus confirms Vicenza as the capital of classical theatre, where the Palladian heritage becomes a living space for creation and audience engagement.
Olympic Classics โ edition 2026
The 79th Classical Performances Cycle at the Olympic Theatre in Vicenza takes place from September 13 to October 18, 2026. For the first time, the artistic direction is entrusted to a local entity, Stivalaccio Teatro, curated by Federico Corona. The programme alternates major Greek tragedies, contemporary reinterpretations, dance, world premieres, and site-specific performances, spread across the Olympic Theatre, the Palladian Basilica, and other city locations, accompanied by public talks, family activities, and training courses.
Programme Olympic Classics 2026
Performances at the Olympic Theatre
- September 18โ19 โ Orestea, Part One, directed by Carmelo Rifici (world premiere)
- September 22โ23 โ Towards Ithaca, choreography by Hervรฉ Koubi (dance, world premiere)
- September 26โ27 โ Alcestis by Euripides, directed by Filippo Dini
- September 30 โ October 1 โ Bord de Mer, directed by Muriel Mayette-Holtz (national premiere)
- October 7โ8 โ Eumenides, all, all of the father I am, directed by Serena Sinigaglia (world premiere)
- October 17โ18 โ Love and Tyranny, Familie Flรถz (Michael Vogel)
Site-specific performances
- October 14 โ Metamorphoses by Ovid, directed by Andrea Baracco, at the Palladian Basilica
- 'Polis' projects with local companies (La Piccionaia, Theama Teatro, Naturalis Labor) at the Palladian Basilica
Training and talks
- Familie Flรถz Masterclass, 'Technฤ' courses, and 'Agorรก' public talks in the Odeo of the Olympic Theatre
Full programme and cast on the website classiciolimpicovicenza.it.
Highlights Olympic Classics 2026
Prices Olympic Classics 2026
Practical information — Olympic Classics
Where
Olympic Theatre, Piazza Matteotti 11, Vicenza. Some site-specific performances are held at the Palladian Basilica and other locations in the historic centre.
Tickets
Tickets on sale on the official website and at the box office of the Teatro Comunale di Vicenza, with discounts for under-30s and schools.
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Where does it take place โ Olympic Classics
Teatro Olimpico
Piazza Matteotti 11, 36100 Vicenza