Storie sotto gli alberi

A theatre in the woods for little ones

Storie sotto gli alberi is a summer theatre festival for children that transforms the grounds of the Teatro Villa Pamphilj into a natural stage. Every afternoon, amidst the grand trees of Villa Doria Pamphilj—Rome's largest urban park—fables, tales, and both ancient and modern stories are brought to life by storytellers and troupes capable of enchanting young audiences with words, objects, and imagery that even adults will love.

Puppets, visual theatre, and storytelling

The heart of the festival is visual theatre: puppets, marionettes, live acting, and music alternate in a program designed for children and families. The artistic direction is led by Andrea Calabretta, with the theatre's operations supervised by the Teatro Villa Pamphilj, part of the Teatri in Comune network of Rome Capital. Guest companies arrive from all over Italy—from Abruzzo to Campania, Umbria to Lazio—bringing classic tales like Sleeping Beauty, The Pied Piper, The Three Little Pigs, and The Town Musicians of Bremen to the stage, reimagined for young spectators.

In the greenery of Villa Doria Pamphilj

The setting is the beautiful Villa Doria Pamphilj, located on the Janiculum Hill in Rome's Municipio XII. Performances take place in the theatre's outdoor spaces, under the shade of the trees, in a setting that combines cultural enrichment with the pleasure of a stroll through the park. The afternoon schedule, starting at 5:30 PM, is perfect for families looking to spend a Saturday or Sunday away from the city heat.

A staple for Roman families

Now in its fifth edition in 2026, the festival has established itself as a permanent fixture of the summer theatre scene for children in the Capital. The performances, suitable for various age groups starting from 3 years old, introduce children to live theatre in a playful and accessible way. With affordable tickets and the comfort of the park, Storie sotto gli alberi is one of the most beloved events for young audiences in Rome.