Teatro Ostia Antica Festival
The sense of the past: myth, tragedy, and dance at the Roman Theatre of Ostia Antica
About Ostia Antica Festival
The festival of the Roman summer at the Roman Theatre of Ostia Antica
The Teatro Ostia Antica Festival is the summer performing arts season promoted by the Fondazione Teatro di Roma in the heart of the Ostia Antica Archaeological Park, within the municipality of Rome, in the Lazio region. The venue is one of the city's most fascinating locations: the ancient Roman Theatre, built in the Augustan age along the decumanus of the ancient port city, which has returned to host major summer performances after a long silence.
"The sense of the past"
The festival revolves around the concept of "The sense of the past," a journey that revives the dialogue between classicism and modernity. The programme stages the great myths of ancient theatre, entrusting them to internationally renowned directors, choreographers, and performers who reinterpret them through contemporary languages: Greek tragedy meets auteur dance, and classical comedy engages with today's sensibilities. It is a way to make the site's thousand-year-old stones speak to the audience of the present.
A historic return after twenty-five years
The festival marks the return of the Fondazione Teatro di Roma to the archaeological site after approximately twenty-five years of absence from the summer schedule. The inaugural 2025 edition, dedicated to the myth of Antigone and directed by Luca De Fusco, recorded an unprecedented turnout of about 11,000 attendees with an occupancy rate close to one hundred percent, confirming the strong bond between the people of Rome and this open-air stage.
Atmosphere and archaeological setting
Attending a performance at the Roman Theatre of Ostia Antica is a rare experience: the stone tiers, columns, and sculptural fragments serve as a natural backdrop for the evening shows, which begin as darkness falls. The cavea, immersed in the park's quiet, offers acoustics and an atmosphere that no indoor theatre can match. Before many evenings, thematic guided tours of the park are available, combining archaeology with performance.
A key event for Rome and the Lazio region
In the landscape of summer festivals in Lazio, the Teatro Ostia Antica Festival holds a special place: it combines the tourism and heritage appeal of Ostia Antica with a high-profile artistic programme capable of attracting both local Roman audiences and international visitors. The festival has quickly established itself as one of the most anticipated cultural events of the capital's summer, enriching the Archaeological Park's offerings with the power of live theatre.
Ostia Antica Festival — edition 2026
Second edition: myth and dance under the stars
The second edition of the Teatro Ostia Antica Festival took place from June 25 to July 18, 2026, at the Roman Theatre of the Ostia Antica Archaeological Park, in Rome. Four titles spread over eight evenings, always at 9 PM, explored the theme "The sense of the past" through tragedy, comedy, and auteur dance.
The festival opened with Euripides' The Bacchae in a monumental production by Theodoros Terzopoulos, followed by the Aristophanic comedy Lysistrata by Asterios Peltekis in its national premiere, the dance creation Requiem(s) by choreographer Angelin Preljocaj, and Euripides' Alcestis directed by Filippo Dini. The archaeological setting of the site served as a backdrop for a journey that revived the dialogue between classicism and modernity.
Programme Ostia Antica Festival 2026
2026 Program - "The sense of the past"
All performances at 9 PM at the Roman Theatre of Ostia Antica.
- The Bacchae by Euripides, directed by Theodoros Terzopoulos - June 25 and 26
- Lysistrata by Aristophanes, directed by Asterios Peltekis (national premiere, in modern Greek with Italian surtitles) - July 4 and 5
- Requiem(s), choreography by Angelin Preljocaj (dance) - July 10 and 11
- Alcestis by Euripides, directed by Filippo Dini - July 17 and 18
Before some evenings, the "Prima della Prima" thematic visit was offered (7 PM, approx. 45 minutes, 7 euros) and, with the festival ticket, a discounted guided tour of the Ostia Antica Archaeological Park by CoopCulture.
Highlights Ostia Antica Festival 2026
- The Bacchae by Terzopoulos, a monumental staging that transforms Euripidean tragedy into a metaphysical experience
- Lysistrata in national premiere, in modern Greek with Italian surtitles
- Requiem(s), an evening of contemporary dance by Angelin Preljocaj
- Alcestis directed by Filippo Dini to close the festival
- Evening performances in the unique setting of the Roman Theatre of Ostia Antica
Prices Ostia Antica Festival 2026
Practical information — Ostia Antica Festival
How to get there
The Roman Theatre is located within the Ostia Antica Archaeological Park, at Viale dei Romagnoli 717, in the municipality of Rome. By train, it can be reached via the Roma-Lido line (Ostia Antica stop) departing from Porta San Paolo/Piramide; the park is a few minutes' walk from the station. By car, it is accessible via the Via del Mare or Via Ostiense, with parking available near the entrance.
Tickets
Tickets are on sale through the Teatro di Roma channels. Prices for plays range from approximately 15 to 35 euros, while dance performances go up to 50 euros; the TdR Card "The sense of the past" is available for 80 euros. The festival ticket allows access to discounted guided tours of the park.
Tips
Performances take place outdoors in the evening: comfortable clothing and a light layer for the evening are recommended. It is useful to arrive early to enjoy the archaeological setting of the site.
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Where does it take place — Ostia Antica Festival
Teatro Romano di Ostia Antica
Viale dei Romagnoli 717, 00119 Roma