Fringe Catania Off – International Off Theatre and Performing Arts Festival

An off festival in the heart of Sicily

The Fringe Catania Off – International Off Theatre and Performing Arts Festival is one of the most vibrant events in the independent theatre scene of Southern Italy. Launched in 2022, every October it transforms the Etnean capital into a sprawling stage: theatres, halls, and unconventional spaces within the Municipality of Catania host performances ranging from theatrical monologues to dance, contemporary circus, comedy, cabaret, and live music.

The fringe philosophy

Following the model of major international fringe festivals, the event provides a platform for independent companies and artists, both Italian and international, selected through an open call. The festival is part of the World Fringe Network, the global network that brings together events like those in Avignon, Prague, Istanbul, and New York. It is organised by Fringe Italia Off in collaboration with the La Memoria del Teatro association, and was conceived by Francesca Vitale and Renato Lombardo.

Two souls: Fringe and Free Fringe

The programme is divided into two complementary sections:

• Fringe: the ticketed showcase of performances hosted in the city's theatres and performance spaces.
• Catania Free Fringe: a free-access section that brings performing arts to squares and open spaces, introducing the general public to independent theatre.

The Village Off at Le Ciminiere

The beating heart of the event is the Village Off, set up inside the Le Ciminiere Exhibition Centre. It serves as a meeting point for companies, professionals, and the public, hosting exhibitions, talks, focus sessions, concerts, book presentations, and the "Village Nights" with numerous free-entry events. Alongside the performances, the festival offers a Fringe Academy with training sessions for artists and projects aimed at schools, such as "Off dell'Off" and "Student in the Jury".

Catania, capital of off theatre

With dozens of companies on the bill, a strong international presence, and hundreds of performances distributed across numerous venues between Catania and neighbouring towns, Fringe Catania Off has established itself in just a few years as a key reference point for independent theatre in Sicily. Supported by institutions such as the Ministry of Culture, the Sicilian Region, and the Fondazione Sicilia, it offers a unique opportunity to discover the city of Catania through the lens of contemporary performing arts.