For the first time in the Baltics, Vilnius will host one of the world’s most important university theatre events

Vilnius University (VU) Culture Centre, together with the International Association of University Theatres, invites participants to the XIII World Congress of University Theatre, to be held on 8–13 July 2026 at VU.

The Congress is one of the most significant international events dedicated to university theatre worldwide. Held every four years in a different country and hosted by a different university, the Congress venue is selected based on the institution’s cultural significance within the region, the strength of its theatrical tradition, and its contribution to the development of university theatre.

The Congress aims to bring together a broad international community of theatre makers, researchers, lecturers, students, and cultural professionals to collectively rethink the cultural and historical evolution of university theatre and its role within today’s academic landscape.

“Vilnius University has a remarkably rich tradition of university theatre dating back to the Jesuit era – it was here that the first student performances in Lithuania took place. Over the centuries, this tradition has evolved and taken on new forms, yet it has never truly been interrupted. For us, this Congress is not only an international event, but also an opportunity to showcase the cultural vitality of Vilnius University and its openness to the world. We are delighted to welcome participants from more than 20 countries to Vilnius. For many of them, this will be their first encounter with Vilnius University, and we believe they will gain not only professional experience but also a meaningful cultural experience. An event of this scale has never been organised in the Nordic and Baltic region,” says Gintė Jokub.

The Congress programme has already been finalised and reflects the diversity and relevance of contemporary university theatre. The chosen theme – “University Theatre in the Time of Global Challenges” – responds to the current global climate of uncertainty and tension. Academic presentations will explore the role of theatre in fostering civic engagement, building dialogue, and responding to challenges such as war, political instability, and the climate crisis.

The programme will also examine the impact of technology on the performing arts – from artificial intelligence to the changing creative forms emerging in the post-pandemic era. Alongside theoretical discussions, particular attention will be given to practical experiences of working with communities and to the search for new teaching and learning methods. Together, these perspectives present university theatre as a living, constantly evolving space where art, scholarship, and sensitivity to contemporary issues intersect.

Participants can look forward to presentations, networking events, and creative workshops. Running alongside the Congress will be the International University Theatre Festival (7–12 July 2026), featuring university theatre companies from Lithuania and abroad, representing 9 countries. All performances included in the programme will be free of charge. The festival will become a vibrant meeting space where stage practice and academic thought intertwine.

All Congress events will take place within the historic spaces of the Vilnius University ensemble, as well as at Vilnius Theatre “Lėlė” and “Meno Fortas” Theatre, creating a cohesive and immersive experience for participants.

The VU Culture Centre invites theatre practitioners, the academic community, and everyone interested in the performing arts to attend the Congress events and become part of this international gathering. It is a rare opportunity to experience different theatre traditions in one place and discover what defines university theatre across the world today. Registration for the Congress is now open.

The project is funded by the Lithuanian Council for Culture and the State Studies Foundation. The events are patronised by the Lithuanian National Commission for UNESCO and the International Theatre Institute. Partners include Vilnius TECH, “Go Vilnius” and Vilnius Theatre “Lėlė”.aitienė, Head of the VU Culture Centre.

Article written by Benita Kaselytė (Vilnius University).