ETRA Festival 2026
ETRA Festival, the event celebrating the arts in Piazza dei Contrari in Vignola, returns from 7 to 28 August for its 13th edition. The festival features four free-admission events dedicated to storytelling theatre, music, comedy and contemporary poetry. Bringing together different artistic expressions, the programme showcases some of the leading figures on Italy’s cultural scene in the unique setting of Piazza dei Contrari, beneath the historic Rocca di Vignola.
The festival opens on Friday, 7 August, with Ulysses, a theatrical performance by Roberto Romagnoli that retraces the epic journey of Homer’s legendary hero through an engaging and immersive narrative.
The characters of the Odyssey come to life, guiding the audience through encounters with Sirens, Cyclopes, gods and distant shores, culminating in Ulysses’ long-awaited return to his beloved Ithaca. A journey into the enduring power of myth and the remarkable relevance of one of the most compelling figures in world literature.
On Friday, 14 August, the festival continues with Tra piume e pizzi: The Art of Seduction, an elegant musical journey performed by soprano Olga Dyadiv, accompanied on the piano by Angiolina Sensale.
The performance explores the evolution of female characters in musical theatre, from the witty maidservants of 18th-century opera buffa to the leading ladies of operetta, cabaret, revue and musical theatre. Featuring works by Rossini, Mozart, Puccini, Strauss, Offenbach, Weill and Bernstein, the programme spans more than two centuries of music and social history. Blending elegance, wit and outstanding vocal artistry, it invites audiences to discover the many facets of seduction through music.
On Friday, 21 August, acclaimed Bolognese actor and comedian Vito takes to the stage with Revival, a witty and nostalgic performance set in a typical small-town café—a place where people meet, stories are shared, and unforgettable characters come to life.
Through humorous anecdotes, cherished memories and scenes from everyday life, Vito paints a warm and authentic portrait of a close-knit community. With his unmistakable style, he captures the unique atmosphere of the local café, a place that becomes both a second home and the stage on which the drama and comedy of daily life unfold.
The festival concludes on Friday, 28 August, with a special preview of Poesia Festival entitled La meglio gioventù (The Best of Youth), an evening dedicated to the emerging voices of contemporary Italian poetry.
The programme features readings by Jasmeen Kaur, Valentina Furlotti, Mikel Marini, Rebecca Garbin, Silvia Righi, Ali Abbadi Fatmi and Luca Chendi, presented by Federico Carrera, with musical performances by violinist Maria Serena Salvemini (Molly) and pianist Pietro Laera.
Celebrating a new generation of poets, the event also reaffirms the longstanding collaboration between ETRA Festival and Poesia Festival, one of Italy’s leading festivals dedicated to contemporary poetry.
The Performers
Roberto Romagnoli is an actor, playwright and director renowned for his storytelling theatre, which combines compelling narration with wit and emotional depth. For many years, he has brought to the stage performances inspired by the great myths of literature and history, transforming timeless classics into vivid and engaging theatrical experiences.
Ulysses marks the beginning of his “Man with a Staff Trilogy”, a series devoted to the great archetypes of the journey and the human condition.
Olga Dyadiv, a Ukrainian-born soprano, enjoys an active international career in both opera and concert performance. Her repertoire ranges from opera to chamber recitals, with a particular focus on programmes that bring together music, theatre and literature.
Angiolina Sensale, pianist, concert performer and teacher, combines an extensive artistic career with longstanding expertise as a vocal accompanist and chamber musician. Renowned for her interpretative sensitivity and the versatility of her repertoire, she joins Olga Dyadiv at the piano for a musical journey spanning more than two centuries, from Mozart and Rossini to Bernstein.
Vito, one of Italy’s most beloved actors and comedians, began his artistic career in the Bologna cabaret scene in the 1970s, becoming one of the leading figures of the comedy movement that gave rise to landmark productions such as the Derby Club and the Costipanzo Show.
A versatile performer across theatre, film and television, he has worked with acclaimed directors including Pupi Avati, Carlo Mazzacurati and Giorgio Diritti. Alongside his acting career, he is also an author and a promoter of Emilia’s culinary heritage.
His performances blend humour, sharp observations of everyday life and outstanding storytelling, creating a distinctive style that has made him one of Italy’s best-loved entertainers.
ETRA Festival, under the artistic direction of Andrea Candeli, is organised with the support of the Fondazione di Vignola and the Fondazione di Modena, in collaboration with Laboratorio Culturale APS, Poesia Festival and Artinscena, and under the patronage of the Municipality of Vignola.
All events take place outdoors in Piazza dei Contrari, Vignola, and begin at 9.00 pm. Admission is free of charge, subject to venue capacity.
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