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Classical Performances at the Ancient Greek Theatre of Syracuse

On an ordinary day in 475 BC, a man climbed the stone steps of the Greek Theatre of Syracuse — he was Aeschylus, the great Athenian tragic poet. That day, one of his classical works, The Aetnaeans, was being performed to celebrate the refoundation of the city of Catania.
It was a grand event in a magnificent theatre that already boasted several records: it was, in fact, the oldest theatre ever built in stone. In the 5th century BC, Syracuse became the first city where a theatre was carved entirely into the rock — before then, stages and seats were made of wood.

Beyond its age and size — larger than any other Sicilian theatre, from Solunto and Segesta to Tindari and Taormina — what makes Syracuse’s theatre truly unique is its extraordinary history.
Since ancient times, Syracuse has been the heart of theatrical life in Sicily, famous for its vitality and for its crucial contribution to the origins of Western theatre.

In ancient Greece, theatre was not an elite pastime reserved for intellectuals. It was a popular celebration, beginning at dawn with a solemn procession, followed by a ritual purification of the venue and the audience. Then came the civic moment: the selection of judges who would decide which play deserved to win the competition.
These ancient rituals may have disappeared, but the spirit of a great popular festival still lives on.

The Theatre as a Living Tradition

Even if not all spectators realize it, attending a play under the open sky is an act that renews an ancient ritual. In Greece, performances were always held in daylight, and — then as now — a diverse crowd gathers under the sun to share an experience that transcends time.

The INDA Classical Performances

This year, the Istituto Nazionale del Dramma Antico (INDA) celebrates the 51st Cycle of Classical Performances at the Greek Theatre of Syracuse, presenting the “Sea Trilogy” from May 15 to June 28, 2025.
The program features three masterpieces:

• The Suppliants by Aeschylus
• Iphigenia in Aulis by Euripides
• Medea by Seneca

At the very heart of the Mediterranean, in the same ancient theatre where Aeschylus premiered 2,400 years ago, INDA continues to carry forward this extraordinary cultural legacy — blending classical heritage with contemporary vision.

Each production becomes an emotional and symbolic journey, crafted by artists and professionals whose passion, dedication, and creativity turn every season into a celebration of timeless art.