TREND - New Frontiers of the British Scene

The festival of new British drama in Rome

TREND - New Frontiers of the British Scene is one of the longest-running and most specialized theatrical festivals in the capital. Every autumn, the Teatro Belli, a historic venue in the heart of Trastevere, becomes a window into the theatrical writing of the United Kingdom and Ireland, featuring a selection of contemporary texts mostly unpublished in Italy. Established in the early 2000s, the event has now surpassed twenty editions, cementing its status as the most solid and consistent Italian appointment dedicated to contemporary Anglophone drama.

Curated by Rodolfo di Giammarco

Conceived and curated by theatre critic Rodolfo di Giammarco, the festival was born from the idea of giving a voice in Italian to British authors who depict contemporary society with a sharp and relevant gaze. The themes addressed range from gender-based violence to family relationships, and from individual fragility to social tensions, providing a vivid and often unsettling portrait of today's men and women.

Translations, staged readings, and productions

The heart of TREND lies in its translation work: texts are translated specifically for the festival and brought to the stage of the Teatro Belli through staged readings, mises en espace, and full-scale productions. These pages are brought to life by Italian directors and actors in a constant dialogue between new British writing and the languages of Italian theatre. Many of the featured titles have subsequently found their way into the wider Italian theatrical circuit thanks to this showcase.

A cultural bridge between London and Rome

Supported by the Municipality of Rome and recognized as a festival of cultural interest for the city, the event acts as a bridge between the London scene and the Roman public. For spectators, it is an opportunity to preview authors and texts currently animating stages across the United Kingdom, all within the intimate and cozy setting of the Teatro Belli.

Trastevere and the Teatro Belli

The festival takes place entirely in the Trastevere district, one of the most characteristic neighborhoods of Rome, in the Lazio region. The Teatro Belli, overlooking Piazza di Sant'Apollonia, has been a landmark for theatrical research and international new drama for decades. Attending TREND means combining the discovery of avant-garde texts with the evening charm of one of the city's most beloved districts.