International University Theatre Festival 2026
The world is changing. So is theatre.
From 7–12 July, Vilnius will become a meeting place where university theatres from around the world will explore today's most pressing issues – war and hope, migration, identity, human choice, and freedom.
Held alongside the 13th World Congress of the International University Theatre Association (AITU-IUTA), the festival is being hosted in the Nordic and Baltic region for the first time.
University theatre companies from Lithuania, Ukraine, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, Belgium, Morocco, Costa Rica, Colombia, and many other countries are coming to Vilnius. For many of these ensembles, this will be their first opportunity to perform for Lithuanian audiences.
Audiences can expect drama, dance, puppet and street theatre performances, experimental projects, and creative works developed through university laboratories and artistic research.
The programme features 19 performances open to the public.
Events will take place at Vilnius University, Lėlė Theatre, and Meno Fortas Theatre.
The festival will officially open on the evening of 8 July with a theatrical musical performance at the Vilnius University Theatre Hall. Created by the Vilnius University Drama Theatre and the Vilnius University Song and Dance Ensemble, the performance will weave together Lithuanian cultural symbols, the cycle of nature, and the four seasons into a unified artistic narrative.
On 9 July at 15:00, Vilnius Old Town will come alive with an international theatre parade. Festival participants from around the world will march from the Grand Courtyard of Vilnius University to Lėlė Theatre, transforming Pilies Street into a vibrant stage filled with music, movement, and improvisation.
Don't miss this unique opportunity to experience diverse university theatre traditions, artistic approaches, and cultural perspectives—all in one place.
Full festival programme:
https://www.congress2026.kc.vu.lt/programme-2026
Read more about the performances on the Vilnius University Culture Centre Facebook Events page:
https://www.facebook.com/kultura.vu.lt/events
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About the 13th World Congress of the International University Theatre Association (AITU-IUTA)
Running alongside the festival programme, the World Congress of University Theatre will take place 8–13 July. This year's theme is "University Theatre in Times of Global Challenges." The congress will bring together theatre practitioners, researchers, students, and artists from around the world to explore how university theatre responds to today's social, political, and technological realities.
Access to the academic sessions is available only to officially accredited congress participants.
More information: https://www.congress2026.kc.vu.lt/en/registration-fees
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INFORMATION FOR VISITORS
Photography and filming: Please note that photography and video recording may take place during the events. By attending, you consent to the use of photographs and recordings for communication and promotional purposes.
Accessibility: We regret that most festival and congress events will take place in the historic premises of Vilnius University, which, due to their architectural features, are not accessible to people with mobility impairments. Live or online streaming of the events will not be available. Only the events taking place at Lėlė Theatre are accessible to people with mobility impairments.
During the performance: Please switch your mobile phone to silent mode. Photography and video recording during performances are not permitted. After the performance, there will be an opportunity to take photographs with the actors.
When sharing your photos on social media, we invite you to tag the Vilnius University Culture Centre.
Thank you for helping us create a respectful and inspiring atmosphere!
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The Congress and the Festival are organised by the Vilnius University Culture Centre and the International Association of University Theatres (AITU–IUTA).
The event is held under the patronage of the Lithuanian National Commission for UNESCO, the International Theatre Institute (ITI), and the State Studies Foundation.
Funded by the Lithuanian Council for Culture, the State Studies Foundation, and Go Vilnius.
Partners: UTA, VILNIUS TECH, Lėlė Theatre, Meno Fortas Theatre, Open Readings, University Theatres Association.
Media Partner: LRT