Acco Festival Returns for Its 45th Year with an Exciting Performance Roster

The ancient port city of Acre came alive this week as the 45th Acco International Fringe Theatre Festival finally kicked off after a delay caused by the war. From the cobbled streets to the historic courtyards of Old Acre, creativity flowed freely in one of Israel’s most treasured cultural celebrations.

Launched on Monday by Acre Mayor Shlomo Ben Shlush, festival CEO Lizo Ohayon, and artistic director Dalia Shimko, the three-day event marks a triumphant return of bold artistic expression to the northern city. The festival concludes today, but the impact of its performances will linger far longer.

For over four decades, the Acco Festival has stood as a unique platform for daring, independent voices in theater and performance art. Its strength lies not only in its content but in its setting—nestled within the ancient walls of a city that embodies Israel’s rich tapestry of cultures and histories.

This year’s edition stayed true to its pioneering spirit. The streets of Acre transformed into a living stage, hosting dozens of original productions and an array of free outdoor performances that invited every passerby to become part of the show. From open-air theater and circus acts to living statues, interactive art installations, and eclectic music, the festival delivered a full spectrum of fringe performance under the Mediterranean sky.

Artists from across Israel and around the world converged to challenge norms, explore boundaries, and connect with audiences in meaningful, provocative ways. The festival served not just as a showcase of talent, but as a dialogue a vibrant interaction between people, history, and the power of storytelling.

Amid the echoes of recent conflict, the festival’s revival carried a deeper message: that culture persists, creativity heals, and the human spirit continues to thrive.

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