Regina Theatri - Performing Arts Festival
Theatre, music, and storytelling in the ancient settings of the Appian Way in Terracina
About Regina Theatri
A festival born to celebrate the Regina Viarum
Regina Theatri - Performing Arts Festival was founded in 2024 in Terracina as a project dedicated to promoting the Appian Way, the "Regina Viarum" recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The historic centre of this coastal town preserves a significant stretch of the ancient consular road and unique archaeological sites: it is here, amidst ancient stones and sea views, that the festival brings theatre, music, poetry, and storytelling every spring. Conceived and curated by Gemma Marigliani, the project is promoted by the Municipality of Terracina, produced by the Officina Zero association, and supported by the Lazio Region.
The venues: the Roman Theatre and San Domenico
The heart of the event is the Roman Theatre of Terracina, a 1st-century BC jewel unearthed in the upper historic centre and returned to the stage after centuries of oblivion: attending a performance on its tiers is an experience that blends archaeology with contemporary theatre. Events alternate with the San Domenico Monumental Complex, a former convent overlooking the Foro Emiliano. In previous editions, the festival has also reached the Temple of Jupiter Anxur, a spectacular terrace overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea, and urban sections of the Appian Way.
The 2026 edition: eight events between May and June
The third edition took place from May 2 to June 27, 2026, with a programme of eight free-admission evenings. The opening was entrusted to "Il Viaggio di Francesco," with dramaturgy and direction by Pino Quartullo, on the stage of the Roman Theatre. Among the most anticipated moments was the tribute to Ennio Morricone on May 30: "Ennio Morricone. Il genio, l'uomo e il padre," developed by Marco Morricone and Valerio Manci, featuring the Melos Ensemble polyphonic choir conducted by Maestro Filippo Manci. The closing on June 27 saw Edith Piaf brought to life with "Grido d'amore" by and starring Gianni De Feo.
A growing cultural project
Launched in 2024 with an inaugural edition of ten events and continued in 2025 with the theme "Reminiscenze" (Reminiscences), Regina Theatri has established itself as a staple of the cultural spring in southern Lazio. The formula is clear: high-quality performances, contemporary Italian artists, and historic sites opened to the public for free, creating a dialogue between archaeological heritage and contemporary creation.
Terracina, between sea and archaeology
The festival is also an invitation to discover Terracina, a seaside town in the province of Latina that combines beaches, a harbour, and one of the most layered historic centres in Lazio. Walking from the Foro Emiliano to the Temple of Jupiter Anxur means crossing two thousand years of history: Regina Theatri transforms this setting into an open-air stage, where every performance becomes an opportunity to experience the city in a new light.
Regina Theatri — edition 2026
The third edition between the Roman Theatre and San Domenico
From May 2 to June 27, 2026, Regina Theatri returned to animate the Saturday nights of Terracina with a programme that alternated between the Roman Theatre in the upper historic centre and the former San Domenico Convent. Eight free-admission evenings, promoted by the Municipality of Terracina with the support of the Lazio Region, entrusted to the Officina Zero association under the artistic direction of Gemma Marigliani.
The edition confirmed the festival's vocation to unite performance and heritage: the opening with Pino Quartullo, the great tribute to Ennio Morricone with forty choristers from the Melos Ensemble conducted by Filippo Manci, the monologues and comedies at San Domenico, and the musical finale dedicated to Edith Piaf on the tiers of the ancient theatre.
Programme Regina Theatri 2026
The 2026 Programme
- Saturday, May 2 — Roman Theatre: "Il Viaggio di Francesco", dramaturgy and direction by Pino Quartullo (opening).
- Sunday, May 10 — "Viva Maria", written and directed by Laura Iacobbi.
- Saturday, May 23, 9:00 PM — Former San Domenico Convent: "Game Lover", by and with Alessandra Merico and Enzo Casertano.
- Saturday, May 30, 9:00 PM — Roman Theatre: "Ennio Morricone. Il genio, l'uomo e il padre", by Marco Morricone and Valerio Manci, from the book edited by Barbara Amodio, with the Melos Ensemble polyphonic choir (40 singers) conducted by Maestro Filippo Manci.
- Saturday, June 6, 9:00 PM — Former San Domenico Convent: "Avevamo un appuntamento", written and directed by Angelo Tosto.
- Saturday, June 13, 9:00 PM — Former San Domenico Convent: "Squarci", by and with Antonella Civale, with Maestro Giancarlo Russo.
- Saturday, June 20 — Former San Domenico Convent: "Astolfo e la luna", by and with Vittorio Continelli.
- Saturday, June 27, 9:00 PM — Roman Theatre: "Grido d'amore - Edith Piaf", musical show by and with Gianni De Feo, with Marcello Fiorini on accordion (closing).
Highlights Regina Theatri 2026
- Eight free-admission events between the 1st-century BC Roman Theatre and the former San Domenico Convent.
- Opening by Pino Quartullo with "Il Viaggio di Francesco".
- Tribute to Ennio Morricone with Marco Morricone, Valerio Manci, and the 40 singers of the Melos Ensemble.
- Musical closing dedicated to Edith Piaf with Gianni De Feo.
- Festival dedicated to the UNESCO-listed Appian Way.
Prices Regina Theatri 2026
Practical information — Regina Theatri
How to get there
Terracina can be reached by car from Rome or Naples via the SS7 Appia or the SS148 Pontina. By train, the nearest station is Monte San Biagio-Terracina Mare (on the Rome-Naples line via Formia), which is connected to the city by bus. The Roman Theatre and the San Domenico Complex are located in the upper historic centre, reachable on foot from Piazza Municipio.
Admission
All festival performances are free to attend until capacity is reached. Evening shows generally start at 9:00 PM.
Tips
Arrive early to secure a seat for the most popular evenings and bring a light jacket for outdoor performances. It is highly recommended to combine the show with a visit to the Temple of Jupiter Anxur and the seafront.
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Where does it take place — Regina Theatri
Teatro Romano di Terracina e Complesso Monumentale di San Domenico
Piazza Municipio, 04019 Terracina