Tbilisi International Festival of Theatre

Tbilisi International Festival of Theatre is a prominent cultural event in Tbilisi, Georgia, organized by the Georgian Theatre Union in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture and Monuments Protection of Georgia and the Tbilisi City Hall. The festival aims to promote theatre and performing arts in Georgia, while also fostering international cooperation and exchange between theatres and artists from around the world, including Russia, United States, United Kingdom, France, and Germany. The festival features a diverse range of performances, including drama, comedy, musical theatre, and dance, showcasing the work of renowned theatres such as the Moscow Art Theatre, Royal Shakespeare Company, and Comédie-Française. The festival also provides a platform for emerging artists and theatres to showcase their talent, with support from organizations like the European Theatre Convention and the International Theatre Institute.

● History

The Tbilisi International Festival of Theatre was first established in 2009 by the Georgian Theatre Union, with the goal of promoting theatre and culture in Georgia and fostering international cooperation between theatres and artists. The festival has since become an annual event, attracting theatres and artists from around the world, including Ukraine, Poland, Italy, and Spain. The festival has been supported by various organizations, including the European Union, UNESCO, and the Council of Europe, which have recognized the importance of culture and arts in promoting democracy and human rights. The festival has also been endorsed by prominent artists and cultural figures, such as Mikheil Saakashvili, Nino Ananiashvili, and Gocha Kavtaradze, who have emphasized the significance of theatre and culture in shaping society and promoting tolerance and understanding.

● Organization

The Tbilisi International Festival of Theatre is organized by the Georgian Theatre Union, in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture and Monuments Protection of Georgia and the Tbilisi City Hall. The festival is supported by various organizations, including the European Theatre Convention, the International Theatre Institute, and the Theatre Communications Group, which provide financial and logistical support to the festival. The festival is also sponsored by local and international businesses, such as Tbilisi Marriott Hotel, Radisson Blu Iveria Hotel, and Georgian Airways, which provide accommodation and transportation services to participating theatres and artists. The festival's organizing committee includes prominent artists and cultural figures, such as Robert Sturua, Levan Tsuladze, and Nana Khaindrava, who are responsible for selecting the participating theatres and artists and programming the festival's events.

● Participating Theatres

The Tbilisi International Festival of Theatre features a diverse range of theatres from around the world, including the Moscow Art Theatre, Royal Shakespeare Company, Comédie-Française, and Teatro alla Scala. The festival also showcases the work of emerging theatres and artists from Georgia and other countries, such as the Tbilisi State Theatre, Kiev National Academic Theatre of Opera and Ballet, and Warsaw Drama Theatre. The participating theatres are selected by the festival's organizing committee, which considers factors such as the theatre's reputation, the quality of its productions, and its contribution to the development of theatre and culture. The festival has also hosted theatres from other countries, including China, Japan, and India, which have presented a range of productions, from traditional theatre to contemporary dance.

● Notable Performances

The Tbilisi International Festival of Theatre has featured a range of notable performances over the years, including productions by the Moscow Art Theatre, Royal Shakespeare Company, and Comédie-Française. The festival has also showcased the work of renowned directors and choreographers, such as Terry Gilliam, Peter Brook, and Pina Bausch, who have presented innovative and critically acclaimed productions. The festival has also featured performances by prominent actors and dancers, such as Ian McKellen, Judi Dench, and Mikhail Baryshnikov, who have performed in a range of productions, from classical drama to contemporary dance. The festival has also hosted music festivals, such as the Tbilisi International Music Festival, which have featured performances by renowned musicians and ensembles, such as the London Symphony Orchestra and the Berlin Philharmonic.

● Awards and Recognition

The Tbilisi International Festival of Theatre has received numerous awards and recognition for its contribution to the development of theatre and culture in Georgia and internationally. The festival has been awarded the European Festival Award and the International Theatre Institute Award, which recognize its excellence and innovation in programming and production. The festival has also been recognized by the Georgian government and the Tbilisi City Hall, which have awarded it the Order of Honour and the Tbilisi City Award. The festival has also been endorsed by prominent artists and cultural figures, such as Mikheil Saakashvili, Nino Ananiashvili, and Gocha Kavtaradze, who have emphasized the significance of the festival in promoting culture and arts in Georgia and internationally. The festival has also been supported by organizations such as the European Union, UNESCO, and the Council of Europe, which have recognized its importance in promoting democracy and human rights through culture and arts.

Category:Theatre festivals