One of the most important yearly events in Syracuse are the classical plays at the Greek theater in the Neapolis archaeological park. The theatre performance is staged by the INDA, the Italian national institute for classical drama. This classical tragedies festival is organized by more than hundred years, in fact, the first performance was in the year 1914. Every year thousands of tourists come to Syracuse to attend to the classical plays at the Greek theater. It's an unique experience to see the actors play the ancient tragedies of Aeschylus, Sophocles or Euripides in the same place where they were played more than 2000 years ago. The classical tragedies festival is organized every year during the monhs of May and June. The performance begins in the late afternoon. The tickets purchased at the ticket box at the entrance of the theater (also in advance) or online. Some days of the program are scheduled for "popular price tickets" without place reservation. On these days the theater is crowded with people because there are also a lot of school groups. Due to the temperatures in Sicily in late spring it's always suggested to bring a sunhat and sunglasses.

 The INDA chooses every year three different classical tragedies or comedies. The performances are staged on alternate days. Each tragedy has an own director (among the most famous in Italy) and scenography. Usually the program provides two tragedies and a comedy by Aristophanes. There are often also other events organized in town during the month of the classical plays. During the same days, the Youth classical festival is organized at the Greek theater of Akrai, near Palazzolo Acreide. The Greek theater of Syracuse is located inside the Neapolis archaeological park. It's also very interesting to have a visit at the whole park and its monuments. Hermes Sicily's tour guides offer private walking tours all around the years and during the summer months also shared group tours.

Classical plays in Syracuse 2020 - Program

Update: the classical plays 2020 in Syracuse are moved to 2021. From July 10 to August 30, 2020 there will be some special events at the Greek theatre of Syracuse. Further information are available on the official website.

Due to the Covid-19 disease the 56th edition of the classical plays in Syracuse will start at the end of May and will last from May 28th to July 5, 2020. Three different performances are scheduled on alternate days: Bacchae by Euripides (directed by Carlus Padrissa), Iphigenia in Aulis by Euripides (directed by Jacopo Gassmann) and the comedy The Clouds by Aristophanes (directed by Antonio Calenda).

The youth classical plays at the Greek theatre of Akrai will not take place in 2020.

Cancellations

If you have already purchased a ticket for May, it's possible to contact the institute for refund or to change date. Phone number 800.542.644, mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Calendar

Below you can find the updated calendar of the classical plays. During may the performance will begin at 7:00 pm, in June at 7:30 pm and in July at 8:00 pm.

Tickets

There will be some "open seating days" with no reserved seats and fixed ticket price of € 26. In the other days the tickets' price varies between € 32 and € 55. Reduced tickets are possible for groups. The tragedies are in Italian language but at the box office it's possible to rent an audio transmitter with English translation. Below the detail about the theatre sectors and ticket's price.

It's possible to buy the tickets at the box office at the Neapolis archaeological park (near the altar of Hieron), also with presale (presale fee € 3) or online on Vivaticket or by phone calling 800 54 26 44.

For further information

INDA - Istituto Nazionale del Dramma Antico
Corso Matteotti, 29 - Siracusa
Phone: + 39 (0) 931 487200
Website: www.indafondazione.org

Other useful links

• Visiting Syracuse: useful information to visit the town and its most important monuments
• Hotels in Syracuse: look for an accomodation in town, compare prices and book online
• Hermes Sicily Guides & Tours: private guides and excursions to discover Syracuse and southeastern Sicily