Freilichtspiele Lana
Summer open-air theatre in the Kapuzinergarten of Lana
About Freilichtspiele Lana
Open-air theatre in Lana
The Freilichtspiele Lana is one of the most beloved summer theatre events in the Burggrafenamt, in the heart of South Tyrol. Every summer, for a few weeks in July, the Kapuzinergarten (Capuchin Garden)—a green oasis hidden behind the Capuchin monastery in the municipality of Lana, Bolzano province (Trentino-South Tyrol)—turns into an open-air stage for a major German-language production.
A tradition born in 1990
The history of Freilichtspiele Lana dates back to 1990, when the first open-air performance took place in the Gaulschlucht gorge to celebrate the town's millennium. In the spring of 1992, eighteen theatre enthusiasts officially founded the association, which has since staged numerous ambitious productions: from "Alpträumer" (2009) to "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" (2016), and from "Romulus the Great" (2018) to "The White Horse Inn" (2022). The association's goal is twofold: to offer the public high-quality performances and to give amateur actors the chance to grow alongside professional performers.
The 2026 edition: Die Wanderhure
For the summer of 2026, from July 3 to 28, Freilichtspiele Lana presents "Die Wanderhure" (The Wandering Harlot), a theatrical adaptation of the historical novel by Iny Lorentz, directed by Thomas Hochkofler. The story takes place between 1414 and 1418, during the Council of Constance, and follows the trials of Marie Schärer, a young woman unjustly accused and forced into exile, who is determined to reclaim her life. Due to the intensity of some scenes, the show is recommended for audiences aged 16 and over.
A performance under the stars
Performances begin at 9:00 PM in the evocative setting of the Capuchin Garden, amidst ancient trees and historic walls. In case of bad weather, the show may be postponed: the organization notifies the public about an hour before the start via the website and social media channels. The event is part of the rich cultural landscape of the Lana and Surroundings area, just a few kilometres from Merano, and has become a classic of the South Tyrolean summer.
Freilichtspiele Lana — edition 2026
Die Wanderhure — Summer 2026
For the 2026 edition, Freilichtspiele Lana presents "Die Wanderhure" (The Wandering Harlot), based on the famous historical novel by Iny Lorentz, directed by Thomas Hochkofler. The story takes place between 1414 and 1418, against the backdrop of the Council of Constance, and recounts the journey of Marie Schärer, a young woman unjustly accused, exiled, and determined to redeem her fate. Laura Masten stars as Marie, joined by Stefan Drassl, Benjamin Palma, and an ensemble of about twenty-five performers; the music is by Marco Facchin.
Due to the intensity of some scenes, the show is recommended for audiences aged 16 and over. Performances are held in the Kapuzinergarten of Lana, Bolzano province.
Programme Freilichtspiele Lana 2026
Performances — July 2026 (9:00 PM)
- Friday, July 3 (premiere)
- Monday, July 6
- Tuesday, July 7
- Wednesday, July 8
- Friday, July 10
- Tuesday, July 14
- Wednesday, July 15
- Friday, July 17
- Monday, July 20
- Tuesday, July 21
- Wednesday, July 22
- Friday, July 24
- Monday, July 27
- Tuesday, July 28
All performances begin at 9:00 PM in the Kapuzinergarten. Currently, all dates are sold out. In case of bad weather, the organization will notify the public about an hour before the start, with any potential rescheduling announced on the website and social media channels.
Director: Thomas Hochkofler — Music: Marco Facchin — Cast: Laura Masten (Marie), Stefan Drassl, Benjamin Palma, and about 25 performers.
Highlights Freilichtspiele Lana 2026
Prices Freilichtspiele Lana 2026
Practical information — Freilichtspiele Lana
Location
Kapuzinergarten (Capuchin Garden), behind the Capuchin monastery, Via Andreas Hofer 2, 39011 Lana (BZ), South Tyrol.
Getting there
Lana is located a few kilometres from Merano, along the Adige Valley road. Parking is available at the Raiffeisenhaus, the Sprengel underground garage, and the Garage Hofmann.
Times
Performances start at 9:00 PM.
Tickets and reservations
Standard ticket: 25 euros. Reservations can be made on the official website freilichtspielelana.eu or by phone at +39 349 7396609 (Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, contact: Marianne Vorhauser).
Notes
Performance in German. Recommended for audiences aged 16 and over due to intense scenes. In case of bad weather, the public will be notified about an hour before the start.
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Where does it take place — Freilichtspiele Lana
Kapuzinergarten (Giardino dei Cappuccini)
Via Andreas Hofer 2, 39011 Lana/Lana