Nuovi Orizzonti Theatre Festival

Contemporary theatre in the heart of the Valtiberina

Nuovi Orizzonti is the contemporary theatre festival that brings the Teatro Comunale di Monterchi to life—a small jewel nestled in the Valtiberina valley, in the province of Arezzo. Promoted by the Municipality of Monterchi in synergy with the Department of Culture and produced by Laboratori Permanenti, the festival presents a programme from autumn through winter that combines quality, innovation, and a focus on contemporary themes.

The artistic direction is led by Caterina Casini, an actress and director who is the driving force behind Laboratori Permanenti. Each year, she crafts a diverse season designed for various audiences: fans of auteur theatre, families, schools, and children. The result is a selection that alternates between great drama, social theatre, and shows for younger audiences, all within an intimate setting where the connection between the stage and the audience remains direct and authentic.

A programme in dialogue with literature

The common thread of Nuovi Orizzonti is its dialogue with great literature and the issues of our time. Over the years, the programme has explored the modernity of Anton Chekhov through monologues on human fragility, the sharp gaze of Oriana Fallaci in an ideal conversation with Pier Paolo Pasolini, tributes to figures like Peggy Guggenheim, and journeys into Tuscan history. Alongside evening performances for adults, a significant part of the season is dedicated to children and teenagers, with theatre and dance-theatre productions often scheduled as morning shows for schools.

An event deeply rooted in the territory

The festival is not confined to the theatre hall: some events step out from behind the curtain to engage with the symbolic landmarks of Monterchi. This is the case with The Most Beautiful Page in the World, a collective reading against violence towards women hosted in front of the famous Madonna del Parto by Piero della Francesca, a masterpiece housed in the town's museum and a true icon of the village. It is a way to intertwine theatre, art, and civic engagement, enhancing the cultural identity of this corner of Tuscany.

Why it's worth attending

• A contemporary theatre season curated by a renowned artistic director.
• National premieres and auteur productions in an intimate venue.
• Shows designed for families, children, and schools.
• The opportunity to discover Monterchi and Piero della Francesca's Madonna del Parto.

Nuovi Orizzonti confirms that even a small village in the Tuscan Valtiberina can offer a high-level cultural programme, bringing contemporary theatre closer to the public and keeping the Teatro Comunale vibrant throughout the winter season.