Teatro al Parco Festival

A theatrical review among the ruins of ancient Cupra

The Teatro al Parco Festival is the summer theatre review of Cupra Marittima, in the Piceno area, in the province of Ascoli Piceno (Marche). Founded in 2022, the event has chosen the Civita Archaeological Naturalistic Park as its stage, the area that preserves the remains of the ancient Roman and Picenian city of Cupra: a place where the millennia-old history of the territory becomes the natural backdrop for the performances, blending the theatrical dimension with the archaeological and landscape one.

Greek myth takes centre stage

Artistic direction is entrusted to the Nuova Linfa Cultural Association, led by Simone Amabili, which each year proposes a unifying theme inspired by classical culture. After reviews dedicated to time, beauty, and memory, the festival continues to explore the heritage of Greek myth and ancient tragedy, alternating lecture-performances, contemporary re-interpretations of classics, and new original productions. The events take place on Friday evenings at 9:15 PM, usually between late June and July.

A solid cultural network

The event is promoted by the Municipality of Cupra Marittima with the support of the Fondazione Carisap and the collaboration of AMAT (Marchigiana Association of Theatrical Activities): for the fourth consecutive year, some evenings are part of the regional circuit T.A.U. – Teatri Antichi Uniti (Ancient Theatres United), which promotes performances hosted in archaeological sites and ancient theatres of the Marche region. A network of entities involved in the park's excavation and management, from university research to the Pro Loco of Cupra Marittima, also gravitates around the park.

Space for young artists

One of the festival's distinctive features is its attention to emerging artists: each edition hosts a competition dedicated to under-35s, with a final evening that brings the creativity of the new generations of theatre from the Marche region and beyond to the park's stage. Alongside professional productions, there is also space for student performances and workshop projects.

An experience between culture and nature

Attending a performance at Teatro al Parco means experiencing an evening immersed in greenery and history, reaching the archaeological site at sunset. To facilitate access to the park, which is distant from the town centre, a free shuttle service departs from Piazza Libertà. This is now a well-established event in the Piceno cultural summer, capable of uniting tourists and residents around classical theatre.