Gathering 2026

Stary National Theatre in Krakow, Poland

One of the most profound experiences I have had. – Helise Lieberman

In this time of U.S. isolationism, the Lab’s work to connect us globally through artmaking is critical… The way in which the Lab is navigating and building relationships rooted in a relational rather than transactional ontology is essential and… exceptional in our field. – Jamie Gahlon

I left feeling inspired, rejuvenated, and motivated, reaffirming that what we do truly matters and, above all, that we are not alone. – Sebastián Torres

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 brought 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 in collaboration with The Center for International Theatre Development (CITD) and Kraków’s legendary Stary Theater— this convening built 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. Gathering in Poland—where theatre has long served as a space for cultural resistance, moral inquiry, and artistic experimentation—made it especially resonant.

More than 40 artists from Poland, the United States, Hungary, Serbia, South Africa, Lebanon, Venezuela, Mexico, Russia, Zimbabwe, and beyond attended performances and shared practices through workshops, artist-led exchanges, and conversations.

Those in attendance represented visionary leadership across the international theatre field-- 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.

11 Creative Core members
47 traveled internationally to attend , with active roots in: Lebanon, Mexico, Palestine, Poland, the U.S., Ukraine, Zimbabwe, Venezuela, Russia, Serbia & elsewhere
Identifying as: Directors, playwrights, performers, producers, organizers, educators, researchers, scholars, & more

53 Participants, 10 Global Fellows from all 4 cohorts

From participants

I always have high expectations of the Gathering because it is a space of incredibly special individuals who are smart, well-equipped, resourceful, and extremely kind. My expectations are always blown out of the park because I am consistently impressed, humbled and inspired by the conversations and the community we build during our time together. - Karishma Paresh Bhagani

Karishma Paresh Bhagani

Human connection and creativity were prioritized over themes, topics, fix-it conversations. It is unusual for all attendees at a conference to model such interest in and curiosity about other people's experiences.

John Clinton Eisner, President, Peacedale Global Arts; Creative Producer, En Garde Arts; Freelance director & producer

The Lab has expanded my sense of what's possible- connecting me to artists, thinkers, and practitioners from around the world and reminding me that the questions I'm asking about art, civic life, and belonging are part of a much larger global conversation. I left feeling more connected, more curious, and more resolute. - Melissa Kievman, Producer / Theatre-Maker

Melissa Kievman, , Producer / Theatre-Maker

Creating connections across borders and all possible differences, questioning power structures through performing arts, adding a feeling that we are not lonely in our field and work.

Dijana Milosevic, Director of DAH Theatre