2026 Edition · Love and War
Archaeological Park of Herculaneum · 10, 11 and 12 September 2026 · 8.00 pm
“Gli Ozi di Ercole” (The Leisures of Hercules) returns to the Herculaneum Archaeological Park, a summer series of lectures, theatrical readings, and musical performances that for three evenings transforms the Ancient Beach into an open-air stage, among the ruins unearthed by the eruption of 79 AD.
The 2026 edition—scheduled for September 10, 11, and 12—has as its title and underlying theme the pairing of love and war: a bond that runs through all of classical culture, from Plato to Thucydides, from Lucretius to Freud, and whose title also recalls Woody Allen’s famous film. A journey through poetry and philosophy, in an ongoing dialogue between ancient and modern, where each conversation finds its counterpoint in a staged reading and each evening concludes with music, ranging from folk and classical sounds to rock and jazz, without hierarchies.
THE PARK
This year, too, the Herculaneum Archaeological Park confirms its commitment to the cultural promotion of the site, opening the Ancient Beach to a wide and diverse audience.
“The Ozi di Ercole have become a key event in the cultural life of the Park: each summer, they return to the community an archaeological site that opens itself to contemporary art, words, and music, without ever losing the scientific rigor that distinguishes us. Events like this demonstrate that heritage protection and cultural enhancement can and must go hand in hand, offering the public new ways to interpret the ruins and their universal significance.”
Federica Colaiacomo, director of the Herculaneum Archaeological Park
THE CAST
Three evenings, three multi-voiced conversations accompanied by a staged reading: on the stage at the Antica Spiaggia, Lucia Mascino, Isabella Ragonese, and Federica Fracassi will take turns performing, along with Laura Pepe, Carmen Gallo, Silvia Romani, and artistic director Gennaro Carillo.
This year, three of the most sensitive and beloved actresses on the Italian scene will be performing at the Ozi: Lucia Mascino, renowned for her starring roles in the series she stars in; Isabella Ragonese, one of the stars of Italian cinema, directed by Crialese and Martone, among others, who played the unforgettable Marta, the protagonist of Paolo Virzì’s “Tutta la vita davanti” (A Whole Life Ahead); and Federica Fracassi, a welcome return to Ercolano, an award-winning star of experimental theater and soon to star in a series directed by the Manetti Bros.
Gennaro Carillo, artistic director
THE MUSIC
As per tradition, each evening ends with music, including popular, classical, and contemporary sounds.
I’m delighted that music will play a key role again this year. Sparagna and Simeoni will perform “Songs of Love and War,” Boccadoro will give a lecture on Bach, and Francesco Di Bella, a leading figure on the indie scene, will retrace the key moments of an already long career. Three very different offerings.
Gennaro Carillo, artistic director
INFORMATION
Gli Ozi di Ercole will be performed on September 10, 11, and 12, 2026, starting at 8:00 PM, at the Ercolano Archaeological Park. Tickets: full price €10.00, reduced price €5.00 (18-25 years), season ticket €15.00. Advance tickets available online at ercolano.coopculture.it and on-site until seats are filled. The full program and further information are in the attached press kit.
