Gathering 2026

Description
At a moment of profound global uncertainty—marked by war, democratic fragility, rising polarization, and urgent questions about truth, memory, and responsibility—artists are increasingly called upon to help society imagine new forms of dialogue and solidarity. This historic gathering in Kraków brings together an extraordinary constellation of theatre-makers, playwrights, directors, performers, scholars, and educators from across the world to reflect on that responsibility and learn from one another’s work. 

Convened by Georgetown University’s Laboratory for Global Performance and Politics and the Center for International Theatre Development (CITD), in collaboration with Kraków’s legendary Stary Theater— this convening builds on decades of shared work in international exchange and innovative global gatherings that place artists at the center of conversations about the most pressing challenges of our time. Bringing this community together in Poland—where theatre has long served as a space for cultural resistance, moral inquiry, and artistic experimentation—makes this moment especially resonant.

Over several days, more than 40 artists from Poland, the United States, Hungary, Serbia, South Africa, Lebanon, Venezuela, Mexico, Russia, Zimbabwe, and beyond will share their work and practices through workshops, artist-led exchanges, and conversations. Participants will attend performances at Stary Theater and across Kraków, engage in intimate dialogues and larger plenary discussions, and share innovative artistic methods through pop-up performances and informal sharings. Those attending represent visionary leadership across the international theatre field-- some lead major theatres, festivals, and cultural institutions; others are acclaimed playwrights, directors, and performers; many are influential educators and scholars shaping the next generation of artists and thinkers; and others are advancing powerful community-based practices and transnational collaborations. Together they form an extraordinary global network of practitioners whose work spans continents, languages, and traditions, united by a shared commitment to exploring how theatre and storytelling can respond to the present crises while helping imagine more humane and connected futures.