Greek theatre of Akrai, Ancient Greek theatre in Palazzolo Acreide, Italy

The Greek theatre of Akrai is an ancient performance venue with eight sets of stairs and approximately twelve rows of seating for about 700 spectators, built in a semicircular form facing north. The structure uses the natural slope and features an orchestra space that remains partially intact today.

The theatre's date is debated, placed between the 3rd and 2nd centuries BCE and often attributed to Hieron II. Under Roman rule a deeper stage was added, the orchestra was reduced and the stage raised to about 1.20 m. In Byzantine times a grain-processing structure was built on its base; after the Arab destruction of the city it lay buried until Baron Gabriele Iudica rediscovered it in 1824.

The theatre is linked by a gallery to the city's agora and bouleuterion, though the reason for this connection is unknown. Since 1991 it has hosted the International Festival of Ancient Drama for Young People, organised by the Istituto nazionale del dramma antico.

The theatre lies on a natural slope south of the ancient city, reached on foot from the Akrai archaeological area. The cavea has nine sectors split by eight stairways, with steps 27 cm high and 74 cm wide. The orchestra and stage area sit at the lowest point, so visitors descend to them and climb back up the seating.

The orchestra's semicircular shape brought the stage closer to the audience, and the complex looked asymmetric and small because it was fitted into an already crowded urban layout. A gallery linked the theatre directly to the city's agora and bouleuterion, though the reason for this link is unknown.