International Shakespeare Festival begins on 21 May; 11 days of performances, concerts and events
The 'Marin Sorescu' National Theater of Craiova and the Shakespeare Foundation are organising, between 21 and 31 May, the International Shakespeare Festival - 11 days of performances, concerts and events in which Craiova becomes a stage for world theatre.
According to organisers, this year's edition is themed 'WILL matters', proposing a reflection on will as a creative force and driver of imagination.
The festival brings to Craiova productions inspired by the works of William Shakespeare, signed by artists and companies from more than 70 countries.
Among the main performances hosted by the 'Marin Sorescu' National Theater of Craiova are 'Titus Andronicus: Reborn,' directed by Ryunosuke Kimura, 'King Lear,' the latest premiere by director Silviu Purcarete and 'The Tiger Lillies in a Macbeth Song' produced by the British company The Tiger Lillies together with La Perla 29.
Director Declan Donnellan returns to Craiova with the production 'Two Gentlemen of Verona,' an international co-production, while Lisa Wolpe presents 'The Alchemy of Gender Archive,' a one-woman show. Gregory Doran also brings 'Venus & Adonis,' a production associated with the Royal Shakespeare Company.
The Shakespeare Of(f) Avignon section includes contemporary reinterpretations of classical texts, such as 'Mercutio' and 'Romeo and Juliet,' produced by international companies and presented at the Craiova Military Circle.
The Ramada Plaza Hall will host productions including 'Lear?,' directed by Irina Brook, 'Macbeth Mut' by the Canadian company La Fille Du Laitier, and 'Macbeth.0,' directed by Catinca Draganescu.
On the stage of the Craiova Students' Cultural Centre, the world premiere of 'Romeo and Juliet' will take place, directed by Japanese choreographer Saburo Teshigawara. Also here, the Prague Shakespeare Company, led by Guy Roberts, presents the production 'King John.'
Dance further enriches the Shakespearean universe through performances such as 'Hamlet' by the imPerfect Dancers Company, 'Ophelia-s' by Mossoux-Bonté, and 'Hamlet Puppet' by Balletto Civile.
A central highlight of the edition remains Shakespeare Village, a thematic space inspired by the Elizabethan era, which, according to organisers, attracted over 50,000 visitors at the previous edition.
During the day, performances and activities for all ages are scheduled here, while in the evening concerts will be held featuring artists such as Suie Paparude, Zdob si Zdub, Bosquito, Coma, The Mono Jacks, Sarmalele Reci, Omul cu sobolani, Luna Amara and Mihail, alongside other international artists.
Access to Shakespeare Village is granted on the basis of Day Pass, Multi-Day Pass or Full Pass subscriptions, while entry is free on the first day of the festival, 21 May.
In addition to the main programme performances, the organisers announced hundreds of side events with free access, within the Shakespeare Squares, Shakespeare Metropolitan and Academics&More sections, dedicated to the general public, the academia and young audiences.
Launched in 1994 by Emil Boroghina, the Craiova International Shakespeare Festival is considered the most important thematic festival dedicated to Shakespeare's work, bringing together over time major names from the international stage and consolidating Craiova's status as a global cultural landmark. AGERPRES (RO - writing by: Maria Mitrica; EN - writing by: Rodica State)
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