«Racconti romani», part one: Elsa Morante’s «Il ladro dei lumi»: Thursday, December 3 to Sunday, December 6, 2026

From December 3 to 6, 2026, Teatro Torlonia (Via Lazzaro Spallanzani 1A, 00161 Roma) opens the «Racconti romani» (Roman Tales) cycle with its first part, drawn from Elsa Morante's «Il ladro dei lumi», directed by Danilo Capezzani.

Updated November 6, 2026.

The event

The cycle of literary works set in Rome returns, a journey through Italian literature. Again this year the direction is entrusted to Danilo Capezzani, who leads the audience on a path where the written page meets the spoken voice.

Through an essential, sober theatricality, the word takes shape and becomes stage presence, bringing to life the works of two significant twentieth-century authors. The first part moves through the atmospheres of Elsa Morante's «Il ladro dei lumi»; the second, on stage from December 10 to 13, is devoted to Ercole Patti's «Roma amara e dolce».

The cycle is produced by Teatro di Roma - Teatro Nazionale and is performed in Italian.

Where it takes place: Teatro Torlonia

Raimondi conceived it as a court theater: beside the large horseshoe-shaped hall there are two side spaces, used either to enlarge the stage or as ballrooms for the prince's parties. The decorations are by Costantino Brumidi. The park also holds the Casino Nobile and the Serra Moresca.

Practical information

• Dates: December 3, 4, 5 and 6, 2026.
• Venue: Teatro Torlonia, Via Lazzaro Spallanzani 1A, 00161 Roma.
• Language: Italian.
• Prices at Teatro Torlonia: single-tier seat 18 euros, reduced 15 euros.
• The theater box office is open only on performance days, two hours before the show (telephone 06 44230693); tickets can also be bought at Teatro Argentina.
• Getting there: use the ATAC route planner.

Frequently asked questions about «Racconti romani», part one: Elsa Morante's «Il ladro dei lumi»

What are the «Racconti romani»?

A cycle of literary works set in Rome, staged with a spoken voice and essential theatricality.

Who directs?

Danilo Capezzani.

What is the second part?

Ercole Patti's «Roma amara e dolce», from December 10 to 13, 2026.

Article written by the editorial team of Tour Leader Pro, contact them for Private/Corporate/V.I.P. Tours and Experiences.

Planning a trip to Rome? The English guides to visit the city are on ItalyPlanner.com.