Primavera dei Teatri 2020 postponed due to COVID-19, may move to autumn

Primavera dei Teatri, the 21st edition of the festival dedicated to new languages of contemporary theatre, will not take place as scheduled in late May-early June 2020 due to COVID-19 containment measures. The festival, held annually since 1999 in Castrovillari, Calabria, within the Pollino National Park, is organized by Scena Verticale, a company founded in 1992 by Dario De Luca and Saverio La Ruina, who also serve as artistic directors. It is the only major theatre event in Calabria recognized by MiBACT. Organizers are considering postponing to September-October 2020, possibly moving performances outdoors. Settimio Pisano, organizational director since 2001, stated that the festival's main funding comes from the Calabria Region, with ministerial support as a supplement. The festival has launched emerging artists like Motus (1999), Ascanio Celestini (2000), and Emma Dante (2006, 2008). De Luca noted that the pandemic may inspire new artistic reflections, and he has developed a WhatsApp-based story. Pisano lamented the likely loss of international networking projects such as Europe Connection and Beyond the Sud. The festival's future depends on regional funding decisions and evolving health regulations.