Palchi Diversi - Summer at Donnafugata Castle

A vertical stage amidst the stones of the Castle

"Palchi Diversi - Summer at Donnafugata Castle" is the summer theatre season of the Compagnia G.o.D.o.T. from Ragusa, one of the most active theatre groups in Sicily. Each year, the festival transforms the famous staircase of Donnafugata Castle, in the municipality of Ragusa, into a striking "vertical stage": the stone steps become a natural set, creating a play of stone, light, and silence that makes this location one of the most fascinating open-air theatrical spaces in the province.

Donnafugata Castle

A late 19th-century noble residence nestled in the Iblean countryside, Donnafugata Castle is one of the most beloved monuments in South-East Sicily, made famous by the silver screen and television series filmed within its rooms and park. The park and the monumental staircase host the summer performances, offering spectators an experience that blends theatre and historical-architectural heritage in a single evening.

Artistic direction and Compagnia G.o.D.o.T.

The festival is curated by artistic directors Federica Bisegna and Vittorio Bonaccorso, the heart and soul of Compagnia G.o.D.o.T. The programme alternates between great classics of dramaturgy and original productions by the Ragusa-based company, with a special focus on the power of the written word and direct engagement with the audience.

The summer programme

Each edition offers a selection of titles, performed in multiple evening shows on the staircase. The repertoire ranges from the Sicilian theatre of Luigi Pirandello to masterpieces of the European tradition, from Anton Chekhov to Oscar Wilde, and has included great authors like Shakespeare and Goldoni in previous seasons. A recurring theme is that of social masks and identity, explored through texts from different eras and styles.

A staple for the Iblean territory

"Palchi Diversi - Summer" is now a permanent fixture of the Ragusa and Iblean cultural summer, attracting hundreds of spectators every year. The festival is supported by the Municipality of Ragusa, the Free Municipal Consortium of Ragusa, and local businesses, representing a unique opportunity to experience Donnafugata Castle in an unusual light, under the stars of South-Eastern Sicily.