Syracuse youth classical theater festival wins EU heritage award

Brussels – Italy is among the winners of the Heritage Prize that the European Commission and Europa Nostra, the pan-European federation for cultural heritage, award each year. The recipient of the award is Syracuse, for its International Festival of Classical Theatre for Youth

Since 1991, young talents worldwide have converged at the Greek Theater of Akrai to reinterpret classical Greek and Roman texts. The festival celebrates Europe’s rich classical heritage, allowing it to keep history, culture, and tradition alive while promoting new generations of artists. Under the organization and supervision of the National Institute of Ancient Drama (Inda), in 2023, a total of 2.417 students from Italy and countries around the world presented 92 performances deemed “extraordinary” by the event’s judges, continuing a tradition that has involved more than 50,000 young students over the years.

“The International Festival of Classical Theater for Youth contributes significantly to the preservation and revitalization of classical theater, an element of Europe’s intangible cultural heritage,” the jury stressed. “It stands out for its innovative approach to engaging young people in cultural heritage and has been highly successful in promoting a deeper appreciation of classical texts among the younger generation.”

Commissioner for Culture Iliana Ivanova congratulated  Italy and its example of excellence. “I warmly congratulate this year’s winners for their outstanding achievements.” The European Heritage Awards and Europa Nostra Awards “highlight the crucial role of exemplary projects and committed individuals in preserving and promoting our rich heritage,” she added.  With Syracuse at the forefront.