In the heart of Galatina, in the Puglia countryside south of Lecce, the new theatre season is shaping up. Mio figlio Francesco is one of the productions in the 2026/2027 Drama Season. It is an invitation to swap the screen for a real stage.
Why live drama still matters here
Few things beat the hush that falls when the house lights go down. In a town the size of Galatina, a theatre evening is also a small community ritual.
The Stagione di Prosa is built around spoken-word drama, so the focus stays on actors, voices and silences. Whatever your familiarity with Italian theatre, the format rewards attention rather than spectacle.
Before the curtain: a slow walk through Galatina
Arrive early and let the town set the mood. Galatina's historic centre is made for an unhurried passeggiata before an evening show.
- Step inside the Basilica di Santa Caterina d'Alessandria, famous for its richly frescoed interior
- Wander the old-town lanes as the light softens toward dusk
- Stop at a café for a pasticciotto, the custard-filled pastry Galatina is proud of
- Pick a bar for an aperitivo and watch the town slowly fill with theatregoers
What to expect from the evening
The programme describes the piece simply as a theatre performance within the season. We will not spoil anything, and it is worth going in with an open mind rather than a script in your head.
Italian is the language of the stage, so a little familiarity helps. Even so, good acting speaks through rhythm, gesture and pauses, which travellers often find surprisingly easy to follow.
Making a night of it
A theatre night works for many kinds of company. Couples get a ready-made date, friends and families get a shared story to talk about afterwards, and solo visitors find a welcoming room of strangers who all came for the same reason.
Winter and spring evenings in Puglia are cool and quiet, so bring a light jacket for the walk. Check the season calendar for the exact date and time, then plan dinner around it.
Pair it with a day around Galatina
Turn the performance into a whole outing by exploring the surrounding area earlier in the day. The towns of the Grecìa Salentina are close by, and Lecce's baroque centre is a short drive away.
- Spend the afternoon in Lecce and return for the evening show
- Visit nearby villages where Griko traditions still survive
- Reserve a table for a post-show cena of local specialities
It is the best kind of cultural evening: unhurried, local and free of the summer crowds. Mio figlio Francesco is a good reason to see Galatina after dark.