Pergine Festival

Pergine Festival

Pergine Festival is one of the most enduring and vital cultural events in the Trentino-Alto Adige region. Established in 1976, it brings the town of Pergine Valsugana, in the province of Trento, to life every summer for about two weeks with a packed calendar of contemporary theatre, dance, music, and circus. More than just an industry showcase, the festival acts as a temporary community that reactivates the city's civic geography.

An expansive stage

The festival's formula is that of an expansive stage: performances are not confined to traditional theatres but spill out into streets, squares, parks, public buildings, and unconventional venues. Iconic locations for the event include the Teatro Comunale, the park and halls of Castel Pergine perched above the city, Piazza Fruet, the Forte delle Benne, and collaborations with entities like Arte Sella. Each edition features over 40 events spread across about fifteen city locations, with a strong emphasis on weekends.

Artistic direction

For several years, the artistic direction has been entrusted to Babilonia Teatri, the duo formed by Valeria Raimondi and Enrico Castellani, among the most recognized voices in Italian experimental theatre. Their vision has relaunched the festival around annual themes that interpret the present through the body, space, and human relationships.

Music, national premieres, and new languages

Alongside theatrical performances, the festival hosts national premieres and co-productions every year, as well as the ABBASSA! music series, which turns Piazza Fruet into a participatory arena with free concerts and emerging bands. The programme ranges from contemporary dramaturgy to urban performances, and from contemporary circus to nocturnal installations, providing a platform for both established names and young companies.

Accessibility and sustainability

Pergine Festival pays great attention to inclusion: the No Limits project offers shows accessible to people with sensory disabilities every year, featuring audio descriptions and dedicated solutions. The event also holds the ECO-Event certification, with practices oriented towards reducing environmental impact.

A summer of culture in Valsugana

Attending Pergine Festival means experiencing a Valsugana town transformed by art, nestled between Lake Caldonazzo and the mountains of Trentino. It is an opportunity to discover contemporary theatre in an unusual and welcoming context, combining a summer holiday with high-level national and international cultural programming.