In May, Take Your Breath Away

One of the most magnificent experiences you could have in Sicily is attending the festival of ancient Greek theater in Siracusa in the 5th century B.C.E. ancient Greek theater. Last May, our tour groups were each fortunate to have seen one of the productions in rotation–like this one pictured, Sophocles’ Oedipus at Colonus, which was…

Calatafimi Segesta Festival

The 50th Anniversary of the Calatafimi Segesta Festival “Dionisiache” is happening now through September 3. This breathtaking 3rd century B.C. amphitheater on top of Monte Bàrbaro is hosting everything from ancient Greek works like Antigone and new plays such as Shakespeare in Brexit to symphony concerts and jazz. Just add cushions and it’s showtime!

Our May 2016 Tour, Day 7: It’s Electrifying

Annually each May and June, L’Istituto Nazionale del Dramma Antico (INDA) presents ancient works of theater at Siracusa’s 5th-Century-BC Teatro Greco (pictured, photographed during last year’s performance of The Suppliants by Aeschylus). During the 2016 season, INDA will produce Electra of Sophocles, Phaedra by Seneca, and Alcestis of Euripides. On the evening of Day 7…

Ancient Theater in Siracusa

The 2014 season of L’Istituto Nazionale del Dramma Antico (INDA) has begun in Siracusa. INDA has existed since 1914, and it presents ancient masterpieces of theater at Siracusa’s Teatro Antico–the same stage on which some of these works may have been premiered centuries ago! This photo is from the 2012 season when I saw The…

Dionysus at Siracusa’s Ancient Theater

The god Dionysus, as portrayed by an actor for a performance of The Bacchae by Euripides at the ancient ampitheater in Siracusa. He holds a giant fennel staff topped with a pine cone and ivy leaves called a thyrsus, which is a symbol of fertility. #experiencesicily #siracusa #theater #bacchae #baccante #teatro #antico #amphitheater #anfiteatro #teatroantico…