Epicenrico 5th edition

Epicentrico is a theatre festival that brings together artists, audiences, schools and local communities across four municipalities in the rural area of Friuli Venezia Giulia, in north-eastern Italy: San Giorgio di Nogaro, Porpetto, Torviscosa and Gonars.

Founded as a local cultural project and developed year after year, Epicentrico aims to make contemporary theatre accessible beyond traditional cultural centres, bringing performances, artistic research and education directly into the places where people live. The festival takes place in theatres, public spaces, squares, schools and other community settings, creating opportunities for encounters between professional artists and audiences of different ages and backgrounds.

The 5th edition runs from September 2026 to March 2027. It opens with an artistic residency and continues with educational activities in primary schools, performances for children, families and adults, public events and professional training. The programme combines theatre productions by Italian and international artists with activities developed specifically for the local context.

A central part of this edition is the connection between artistic production and long-term cultural participation. School programmes involve children and teachers in a structured process rather than in isolated activities, introducing different theatre languages and encouraging creativity, participation and new ways of experiencing performance. Alongside its work with schools, Epicentrico collaborates with a day centre for people with disabilities (CSRE) in Corgnolo, offering inclusive artistic and educational activities that encourage participation and access to cultural life.

The festival also invests in artistic development. It hosts an artistic residency and creates space for emerging and under-35 artists, while offering professional training to theatre practitioners. In March 2027, a dedicated training programme led by theatre director and teacher Claudio Colombo will bring together professionals for an intensive period of work and exchange.

Epicentrico is conceived as a shared cultural project rather than simply a series of performances. BRAT works together with municipalities, schools, cultural organisations, social services, artists and other local partners to build a network that can continue beyond a single festival edition. Collaboration across territories allows resources, knowledge, and audiences to circulate and strengthens the cultural infrastructure of an area that is geographically dispersed and not traditionally served by major theatre institutions.

The festival’s programme combines established and emerging artists, performances for young audiences and adults, theatre in public spaces and indoor venues, workshops and professional activities. This variety reflects BRAT’s approach to theatre as both an artistic practice and a tool for creating relationships within a community.

Through its continuity, partnerships and educational and professional programmes, Epicentrico seeks to leave a lasting cultural presence in the Lower Friuli area: developing audiences, supporting artists, strengthening cooperation between local actors and creating repeated opportunities for people to encounter contemporary theatre close to home.