Valdichiana Senese: land of culture and theatres

On 28th December 2024 the Valdichiana Senese was awarded Capital of Tuscan Culture 2025, an important recognition that follows the journey started with the candidacy for Italian Capital Culture 2026. And it’s precisely on the occasion of this special prize that today we want to tell you about a reality of Valdichiana Senese that mustn’t stay behind scenes: the theatres. In Tuscany theatres are a massive presence. More than 190 active theatres all over the whole territory; some of them (11 in total) are located in Valdichiana Senese. Let’s discover them together!

Caos Theatre, Chianciano Terme
Located near the historic entre of the town, the Caos Theatre of Chianciano Terme it’s the youngest one of the area. Its name, a bit strange at a first sight, it’s dedicated to Luigi Pirandello, “son of Chaos” and absolute protagonist of the 20th century, who found in Chianciano Terme the perfect holiday resort.  Result of a renovation of the ex-polyvalent room of the city, today the theatre welcomes 180 spectators and it’s more alive than ever thanks to LST company.

Mascagni Theatre, Chiusi
Named after the famous composer Pietro Mascagni, Mascagni Theatre kicked off on 26th June 1938 and just three days after, a show was performed to the presence of Maestro Mascagni. Many vicissitudes led the theatre to suspend its activity, which was later resumed at the beginning of the 21st century. Since 2012, the theatrical activity has been cured by Orizzonti d’Arte Foundation which every year animates Chiusi between winter and summer appointments.

Poliziano Theatre and Concordi Theatre, Montepulciano
Poliziano as the name of the poet of Montepulciano, Concordi as the name of the society that found it: the two theatres of Montepulciano are between the oldest and most active ones of the territory. With the first being born in 1796 and the second one on the 1905, the two theatres respond to the needs of the municipal area, thanks to hard work of the Cantiere Internazionale d’Arte of Montepulciano foundation and the different associations of Acquaviva (hamlet of Montepulciano) which every year take care of the Amateur Theatre National Festival playbill.

Georgofili Accalorati Theatre, San Casciano dei Bagni
You know, San Casciano dei Bagni it’s home for culture, and, between one archeological excavation and another, there’s room for theatre. The history of the Georgofili Accalorati Theatre began during the 18th century, but it was in the later centuries that became protagonist of the community of the town. After years of closure, the theatre came back to life in 1999 and today is the ideal space for shows and other public initiatives.

Arrischianti Theatre, Sarteano
Unique for its yellow seats, the Arrischianti Theatre of Sarteano is a jewel of the Valdichiana Senese. Some testimonies date the presence of the theatre back to 17th century, in the rooms of the Public Palace. Centuries passed, the theatre underwent numerous transformations and in 1986 a group of young people of Sarteano found the Arrischianti New Academy: it was the beginning of a new theatrical era. Today the academy still lives, gifting not only theatrical seasons but also workshops for children and adults.

Ciro Pinsuti Theatre, Sinalunga
Nestled in the alleys of the historic centre of Sinalunga, Ciro Pinsuti Theatre was born in 1772, when the Smantellati Academy acquired what once had been the meeting place of the Iaicale Santa Croce Company. The theatre was first inaugurated in 1807 but then it underwent several interventions. Since 2002, the structure has been being under the municipal administration and every theatrical activity is directed by Fonderia Cultart.

Oscuri Theatre and Bruno Vitolo Theatre, Torrita di Siena
As for Montepulciano, the municipal area of Torrita di Siena can count on the presence of two theatres: the Teatro degli Oscuri (located in the capital) and the Teatro Bruno Vitolo, which instead has its headquarters in the hamlet Montefollonico. Of the two, the most active is certainly the Teatro degli Oscuri which, thanks to the work of  the Teatro Giovani Company of Torrita, gives every year a rich theatrical season to its audience. However, the Bruno Vicolo Theatre in Montefollonico is also suitable for its community, offering itself as a space for events and performances.

Workers' Society Primetta Bardelli Theatre, Petroio (Trequanda)
In Petroio, a small hamlet of the municipality of Trequanda, there is a hidden theater: it’s the Workers' Society Primetta Bardelli Theatre. Of ancient origin, after a recent restoration today it is back to shine among film performances, theatre and events.