Falcone and Borsellino Amateur Theater Festival

Theater as a guardian of memory

The Falcone and Borsellino Amateur Theater Festival takes place in Capaci, in the province of Palermo, in a location that has become a symbol of the fight against the mafia. The date is no coincidence: the event is held around May 23, the anniversary of the Capaci bombing in 1992, which claimed the lives of judge Giovanni Falcone, his wife Francesca Morvillo, and their security detail. In this Sicilian town, theater thus becomes a tool for collective memory and education on legality.

A festival born from the community

The festival is organized by the I Teatranti Instabili company, under the artistic direction of Maria Ansaldi and the technical direction of Francesco Davì. It is an event "made by those born and raised in Capaci" and aims to give new momentum to the town on the very day Falcone is remembered. In its early editions, the evening was hosted by journalist Giada Lo Porto, who chose to support the path undertaken in favor of legality and the arts.

The competing companies

The heart of the festival is the competition between amateur theater companies from Sicily, evaluated by a quality jury that awards various prizes and special mentions. Alongside the competing troupes, guest groups and the young performers of I Teatranti Instabili Junior also take the stage. Over the years, the stage, set up in the inner courtyard of the Alcide De Gasperi elementary school, has hosted musical tributes, permanent photography exhibitions, speeches by magistrates, and moments of civic reflection.

Memory, legality, and art

More than just a theater festival, the Falcone and Borsellino Festival is a civic event that combines anti-mafia commitment, culture, and community. Round tables with the Palermo Bar Association, awards named after figures such as Francesca Morvillo and Sebastiano Tusa, art exhibitions, and personal testimonies accompany the performances, reminding everyone in Capaci each year that legality is built from the ground up, starting with the youngest generations.

Admission is traditionally free, with reservations recommended due to the limited capacity of the venue.