Leonforte City National Award - Theatre Section
The national theatre competition in the heart of Sicily, set amidst the Baroque streets of Leonforte
About Leonforte City Award
A historic theatre award in the heart of Sicily
The Leonforte City National Award is one of the most deeply rooted cultural events in the Sicilian hinterland. Organized by the Municipality of Leonforte, in the province of Enna, through its Department of Culture, the award is a national competition divided into several sections—narrative, poetry, and theatre—now in its 43rd edition. The theatre section, in particular, has become the jewel in the crown of the festival over the years, attracting over 60 companies from all over Italy in search of a prestigious stage.
How the competition works
Each year, a technical jury composed of industry experts reviews the candidate works and selects the finalist companies that perform live in Leonforte. Alongside the technical jury, a popular jury made up of the audience participates, while a youth jury awards its own special mention. The competing works are evaluated in categories such as Best Show, Best Director, Best Actress, and Audience Choice. There is also a special mention for folk theatre, which rewards expressive forms most closely tied to tradition.
Open-air performances and awards gala
The performances take place on August evenings at the Ex Stazione Area in Leonforte and in other evocative locations in the village, such as the Giardino delle Ninfe and the Granfonte Ecomuseum. The event concludes with a grand awards gala in the presence of authorities, the press, and the artists, where the winning companies are announced.
Leonforte, a Baroque village in the Enna area
Situated at an altitude of over 600 metres in the Erei Mountains, Leonforte is famous for its monumental Granfonte (the twenty-four-spout Baroque fountain commissioned by the Branciforti princes) and for its fava larga (broad bean), a staple of the local gastronomic tradition. Hosting a national theatre award in such a unique setting makes the Leonforte City Award an opportunity to discover an authentic corner of inland Sicily, far from the most beaten tourist paths.
Leonforte City Award — edition 2026
2026 Edition - 43rd Award
The Leonforte City National Award returns in August 2026 with its theatre section, as part of an event that has reached its 43rd edition overall. The artistic direction is entrusted to Giuseppe Oriti, with the co-direction of Benny Ilardo. Applications for works closed on June 19, 2026.
Performance Calendar
- August 9, 2026 - Work with special mention for folk theatre
- August 24, 2026 - First finalist company in competition
- August 26, 2026 - Second finalist company in competition
- August 28, 2026 - Third finalist company in competition
Admission to the venue is permitted to the public from 8:30 PM, with the shows starting at 9:00 PM.
The awards gala
On Sunday, August 30, 2026, starting at 8:30 PM, the awards gala for the winning companies will be held, in the presence of authorities, the press, and the world of culture and entertainment.
Programme Leonforte City Award 2026
August 9, 2026 - Folk Theatre
- 9:00 PM - Performance with special mention for folk theatre (Ex Stazione Area)
August 24, 2026 - First Finalist
- 9:00 PM - First finalist company in competition (doors open at 8:30 PM)
August 26, 2026 - Second Finalist
- 9:00 PM - Second finalist company in competition
August 28, 2026 - Third Finalist
- 9:00 PM - Third finalist company in competition
August 30, 2026 - Awards Gala
- 8:30 PM - Final Gala with the announcement of the winning companies
The selection of finalists is entrusted to a technical jury chaired by Turi Amore, supported by a youth jury chaired by Federica Amore. The titles of the finalist works are announced by the organization in the weeks preceding the performances.
Highlights Leonforte City Award 2026
Prices Leonforte City Award 2026
Practical information — Leonforte City Award
How to get there
Leonforte is located in the hinterland of the province of Enna. By car, it can be reached from the A19 Palermo-Catania motorway (Mulinello exit), continuing along the SS117bis. The reference railway station is Leonforte-Pirato on the Palermo-Catania line.
Where it takes place
Evening performances are mainly held at the Ex Stazione Area in Leonforte; side events animate the Giardino delle Ninfe and the Granfonte Ecomuseum.
Opening hours and admission
The venue generally opens to the public at 8:30 PM, with performances starting at 9:00 PM.
Information
For the official call for entries, updated dates, and participation details, it is recommended to consult the Municipality of Leonforte website.
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Where does it take place — Leonforte City Award
Area Ex Stazione di Leonforte
Area Ex Stazione, 94013 Leonforte