TAU - Teatri Antichi Uniti

Classical Theatre in the Roman Amphitheatre of Urbisaglia

TAU - Teatri Antichi Uniti is one of the most beloved summer theatre festivals in the Marche region and, for almost thirty years, has been bringing archaeological sites back to life, transforming them into open-air stages. In Urbisaglia, in the heart of the Province of Macerata, performances are held in the evocative Roman Amphitheatre, one of the best-preserved Roman monuments in the Marche and the heart of the ancient city of Urbs Salvia, now protected within the Archaeological Park.

The 2026 Edition

For 2026, TAU celebrates its XXVIII edition, with a widespread programme featuring around thirty-seven events spread across seventeen archaeological sites in fifteen municipalities in the Marche, from June 19th until the beginning of autumn. The common thread for the year is the encounter between myth, ancient tragedy, and contemporary sensibility: a journey through the great tradition of classical theatre reinterpreted by protagonists of the Italian scene.

Performances in Urbisaglia

The Roman Amphitheatre of Urbisaglia hosts three highly anticipated evenings, all starting at 9:30 PM:

• July 9 - Sette a Tebe by Aeschylus, directed by Gabriele Vacis with Potenziali Evocati Multimediali: a powerful reinterpretation of the tragedy about fratricidal war and the fear of the other.
• July 28 - Baccanti, directed by Simone Derai (Anagoor), with recent graduates from the Carlo Goldoni Theatre Academy: a visionary scenic ritual based on Euripides' masterpiece.
• August 8 - Elettra 1944, directed by Giancarlo Nicoletti, with Pamela Villoresi, Giulio Corso, Francesco Foti, and Alice Spisa: the myth of Electra transported to World War II Italy.

An Experience Between Archaeology and Performance

Attending a TAU performance in Urbisaglia means experiencing theatre in its original dimension: the amphitheatre's tiers, the evening silence, and the site's natural acoustics create an atmosphere that no modern theatre can match. The festival is organised by AMAT - Associazione Marchigiana Attività Teatrali with the Marche Region, the Ministry of Culture, and the Municipality of Urbisaglia, and represents a virtuous model for enhancing archaeological heritage through live performance.

For those visiting the Marche in the summer, TAU in Urbisaglia is the ideal opportunity to combine the discovery of the Macerata hinterland, with its villages, hills, and food and wine products, with an evening of great culture under the stars.