The new season of performing arts of the LAC Lugano Art and Culture presents itself as one of more complex and ambitious than in recent yearsWith 82 titles, 19 productions and co-productions, and 165 curtain raisers, the 2026/27 program spans theater, dance, music, musicals, performances, and interdisciplinary projects, offering a reflection that directly addresses the tensions of the present.
The title chosen by the artistic director Carmelo Rifici, Incivility, represents the underlying theme of the entire program. This expression encompasses a dual interpretation: on the one hand, civilization as a collective construct founded on culture, law, and coexistence; on the other, the possibility that these achievements could be challenged by phenomena of violence, fear, and social disintegration.
A season that takes a stand
In introducing the program, Rifici emphasized that theater cannot be limited to entertainment. In a historical period characterized by conflict, polarization, and institutional crises, the role of the performing arts must also foster critical thinking and debate.
The season thus begins as an invitation to reflect on some fundamental questions: what does it mean to live together? What idea of justice are we willing to defend? What role do we assign to memory, responsibility, and dialogue?
The Oresteia opens the In/Civiltà journey
The symbolic heart of the entire season is represented by Oresteia – part one Mythos, part two Logos, a new production directed by Carmelo Rifici which will have its world premiere at the LAC from 15 to 17 January.
Aeschylus's work is reinterpreted as a reflection on the birth of justice and the overcoming of private vengeance through the institution of collective judgment. A story that, over two thousand years later, continues to offer insights into the relationship between law, power, and civil coexistence.
Wars, memory and responsibility
Numerous shows that address the contradictions of the contemporary world revolve around the main focus.
These include The prodigy, adaptation of the novel by Fabrizio Sinisi directed by Giacomo Bisordi, Civil war directed by Andrea De Rosa and A Place of Safety: A Journey through the Central Mediterranean of the Kepler–452 collective, born from the experience on board the Sea Watch 5 vessel.
The reflection on historical memory also passes through The Seventies: Terror and Rights, which features Mario Calabresi and Benedetta Tobagi together with Marco Damilano and Sara Poma, while State vs. Nolan (A Quiet Place) by Stefano Massini investigates the relationship between information, power, and public responsibility.
Productions and co-productions: LAC's strong commitment
Production continues to be one of the pillars of the Lugano cultural center's identity.
Among the most anticipated titles are An ideal husband by Oscar Wilde, directed by Francesco Frongia and Ferdinando Bruni, Six characters in search of an author directed by Carmelo Rifici, The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde in the reading of Fabio Condemi and Saturday, Sunday and Monday by Eduardo De Filippo entrusted to Luca De Fusco.
The great protagonists of the theatrical scene
The season will host some of the most authoritative names in contemporary theatre.
Stefano Accorsi will be the protagonist of Nobody. The Adventures of Ulysses, Directed by Daniele Finzi PascaGabriele Lavia will bring on stage After the test, inspired by Ingmar Bergman, while Silvio Orlando will debut with The rattle cap by Luigi Pirandello.
There will also be space for Sonia Bergamasco, Tindaro Granata, Christian La Rosa and many other leading performers on the Italian scene.
A solo exhibition dedicated to Romeo Castellucci
Among the most significant events is the solo exhibition dedicated to Romeo Castellucci.
The public will be able to attend Faust. Done, not said., participate in a master lecture by the artist and follow the site-specific performance Believing in Masks, set up in the spaces of MASI Lugano. The exhibition ends with a screening of the documentary Theatron. Romeo Castellucci.
Pay attention to the Swiss scene
A distinctive element of the programming is the attention given to contemporary Swiss production.
The Extra Time Plus project brings together young emerging artists such as Auguste de Boursetty, Alex Freiheit, Melanie Durrer, Alina Immoos, Kevin Blaser and Faustino Blanchut.
Alongside them, there is space for already established figures such as Elena Boillat, Simon Waldovogel and Carlotta Viscovo, protagonists of works that explore themes of identity, autobiographical and social.
The body as a place of care and storytelling
One of the most original thematic itineraries is The body that heals, dedicated to the relationship between art, fragility and transformation.
Shows include Tamdom by the Ticino choreographer Bianca Berger, who takes inspiration from mathematical models linked to Alzheimer's, Can can fabrics, inspired by the experience of the performer Irene Mantova, and Cuna by Giuseppe Comuniello, a sensory experience built around the theme of hospitality.
Beyond Gender and New Identities
The season also addresses issues of identity and gender representation.
Classical Queers imagine impossible encounters with figures like Freddie Mercury and Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, while Per semper draws inspiration from the correspondence between Giovanni Testori and Alain Toubas. Also Oracle Elena Boillat contributes to this journey with a reflection on the relationship between voice, listening, and the construction of identity.
International dance between tradition and innovation
The dance program brings together Swiss artists and international companies.
Key names such as Christos Papadopoulos, Angelin Preljocaj and Nederlands Dans Theater 2 return to the LAC. Productions by the Dresden Frankfurt Dance Company and the Croatian National Theatre in Zagreb are also on the bill.
Among the most anticipated proposals is also the return of Nutcracker in the reinterpretation signed by Mauro Bigonzetti.
Musicals and big concerts
The musical program will feature artists much loved by the public.
Fiorella Mannoia, Arisa, Massimo Ranieri and the Nomadi will take to the stage. There will also be international productions such as Chicago, considered one of the most famous musicals in the world, together with Beauty and the Beast – The Musical e Cinderella – The Musical.
A look towards the future
Among the most significant developments is the announcement of the future "Renato Palazzi" European School of Advanced Training, which will open in 2027 thanks to the collaboration with the C.LAB Foundation and the Municipality of Castel San Pietro.
The project will be aimed at directors, playwrights, performers, and choreographers already working professionally, encouraging encounters with masters of the international scene.
A place to understand the present
More than a simple succession of performances, the LAC 2026/27 theatre season aims to be a great laboratory for collective reflection. The theme Incivility runs through the entire program and invites artists and spectators to question the delicate balance between progress and regression, between coexistence and conflict.
In an era marked by rapid transformation, the theater is thus called upon to reclaim one of its most ancient functions: offering a shared space where a community can observe itself, discuss its contradictions, and imagine the future.
