The cultural welfare initiative by Teatro di Roma that prescribes live performances as medicine for children and families
Sciroppo di Teatro is a cultural welfare project promoted by the Fondazione Teatro di Roma – Teatro Nazionale, conceived by ATER Fondazione and supported by Roma Capitale. The concept is as simple as it is original: transforming live performance into a genuine pediatric 'prescription'. Participating pediatricians and local pharmacies provide families with a special booklet containing an illustrated 'leaflet' on the benefits of theatre and six vouchers, allowing them to purchase tickets for the symbolic price of 3 euros each. In this way, theatre becomes an accessible remedy for the growth, imagination, and creativity of the youngest ones.
In 2026, the project reaches its third Roman edition and expands throughout the city. Performances will take place in four venues of the Teatro di Roma: Teatro Argentina, Teatro India, Teatro Torlonia, and Teatro Elsa Morante. The programme dedicated to the new generations includes over 20 titles and more than 45 performances, designed for children aged 2 to 12 and their families, featuring fairy tales, revisited classics, mythology, puppet theatre, dance, and contemporary storytelling.
The season opens on March 21 and 22 at Teatro Torlonia with L'albero dei bottoni and the installation-performance Once Upon a Time. April brings Il coro dell'alba, Metamorpholand (based on Ovid's Metamorphoses), Piedi nudi, Ubu, Il Furioso, Cielo, and Ballata. Spring continues with Miss Lala al circo Fernando and Per Atena!, while the autumn programme features Albert ed io, Charlie Gordon (inspired by Flowers for Algernon), and Ode alla vita. The year concludes with Christmas-themed shows, including La mosca verdolina and Storie di Natale by the Laboratorio Teatrale Integrato Piero Gabrielli, running until December 30.
From April 8 to 12, 2026, Teatro India and Teatro Torlonia will host the sixth edition of the Contemporaneo Futuro Festival, dedicated to new languages for childhood, including dance, puppet theatre, and original dramaturgy. A new feature this year is the series of free workshops based on the joint participation of children and adults, aimed at strengthening intergenerational bonds through art. A special role is played by the Laboratorio Teatrale Integrato Piero Gabrielli, a benchmark for inclusive and accessible theatre.
Sciroppo di Teatro is a model of cultural welfare that finds a valuable ally in the Municipality of Rome and the local health network. Following the success of the first 2024 edition, which involved over 220 families and more than a thousand people in the capital, the initiative is now a highly anticipated event for families in Rome and the Lazio region, successfully introducing children to the theatre from a very early age.
The third Roman edition of Sciroppo di Teatro expands the project citywide, with over 20 titles and more than 45 performances designed for new generations. The programme ranges from fairy tales to puppet theatre, from mythological classics to dance and contemporary storytelling, accompanying families from March to December. The heart of spring is the Contemporaneo Futuro Festival (April 8-12) held between Teatro India and Teatro Torlonia. The voucher system is confirmed: 3 euros per ticket with booklets distributed by pediatricians and local pharmacies.
The programme is complemented by free workshops for children and adults (Spazio al gioco, Il palcoscenico della conoscenza, Il vento nelle dita, Facciamo finta ma per davvero, Storie di Natale).
Tickets cost 3 euros each and can be purchased using the vouchers found in the booklet, which is distributed free of charge by participating pediatricians and local pharmacies. Booking is mandatory via the WhatsApp number indicated in the booklet or by emailing [email protected] (tel. +39 06 684000382).
Teatro Argentina is located in Largo di Torre Argentina, in the historic centre of Rome, served by numerous bus and tram lines. Teatro India is on Lungotevere Vittorio Gassman (Marconi), Teatro Torlonia is on Via Lazzaro Spallanzani, and Teatro Elsa Morante is in the Laurentino district. If arriving by car, it is recommended to use park-and-ride facilities and the metro.
Each show has a recommended age range (from 2 to 12 years old): please check this information when booking. It is advisable to arrive early, especially for the opening celebration at Teatro India.
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Teatro Argentina, Teatro India, Teatro Torlonia, Teatro Elsa Morante (spettacolo diffuso)
Largo di Torre Argentina 52, 00186 Roma