Sibiu International Theatre Festival: Staging miracles since 1993

The Sibiu International Theatre Festival (FITS) celebrates its 30^th anniversary this year, with the current edition of the festival promising to be one of the most spectacular yet, featuring a diverse range of performances that explore a wide array of themes and issues.

As we already know, one of the highlights of the festival is the selection of international theatre productions, which have been carefully curated to provide audiences with a glimpse into the latest trends and developments on the global theatre scene. From experimental works that push the boundaries of traditional theatre to emotionally charged dramas that explore important social issues, the international productions on display at the festival are said to be thought-provoking and inspiring.

This year’s theme—MIRACLE—reflects the importance of FITS in the transformation of the community, the city, and the festival itself, and the fact that, in present times, characterized by another range of interests, a small town performing arts festival has reached its 30th edition and that it sets the agenda of the global cultural community year after year.

Two new sections come to complete FITS’s offer to the public in 2023: The Sibiu Season and the George Banu Section. Moreover, this year’s entire edition is dedicated to the memory of the great theatre man and friend of the Festival.

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In addition to the international productions, FITS 2023 also features an exciting lineup of performances from some of Romania’s most talented theatre companies. These local productions explore a variety of themes, from contemporary issues to historical events, showcasing the breadth and depth of Romania’s vibrant theatre scene.

Another highlight of the festival is the range of events and activities that are designed to engage and inspire audiences of all ages. From workshops and masterclasses for aspiring theatre professionals to family-friendly performances that are perfect for younger audiences, there is something for everyone at FITS.

Top performances at FITS30

The Measure of the Impossible, a show written and directed by Tiago Rodrigues, current artistic director of the Avignon Festival (June 23 and 24). Festival’s description: “An unconventional, postdramatic show about fragility and theatre as a way of understanding what makes us human”. Performance in French, English and Portuguese, with translation into Romanian and English.

The Flamenco Miracle – Estévez Paños y Compañía – a show that brings the best flamenco dancers on stage, moving to rhythms that ignite the blood and the imagination. The Spanish Ministry of Culture awarded this troupe the National Dance Award (June 23 and 24). Festival’s description: “The aim of the project called “La Confluencia” is the creation of a choreography that uses the language of contemporary flamenco dance and seeks inspiration in its past and in contemporary art.”

Water, What Joy! – Circus Baobab from Guinea will present the most exciting contemporary circus show at FITS on June 24 and 25. Festival’s description: “Yé, L’eau! calls us TOGETHER to build a world of tomorrow that will take care of nature and its future.”

Mood with Israel’s Revolution Orchestra takes us from Chopin to Radiohead in a show that combines orchestral music, stage movement, and video projections (June 26). “A healing, heart-rending and intense musical journey. A monumental show, like a symphony.”

BLKDOG | Botis Seva (UK) – an award-winning, widely acclaimed, unmissable hip-hop and dance show (June 28 and 29). “BLKDOG is Botis Seva’s beautifully brutal commentary on how the youth of today are coping in a world not built for them. In an emotionally charged hip hop dance performance, BLKDOG reveals the vicious connection of how self-discovery leads to self-destruction.”

Familie / NTGent – ​​an event show and experiment, a mix between real and virtual, between what is in front of one’s eyes and what is hidden, but still visible (June 29 and 30). Festival’s description: “Fiction and reality mix, as we see on stage an evening like many in families – only that it is the last one. And in this exhibition of the normal, the big questions arise: Why are we here? And wouldn’t it be better if we would disappear?”. Performance in Dutch with translation into Romanian and English.

Diptych: The missing door and The lost room, a show by the Belgians from Peeping Tom brings contemporary dance to the stage in a manner never seen before. Reality, dream, fantasy (July 1 and 2). Festival’s description: “Eclectic and unpredictable, Peeping Tom shows defy ratings, as do Marthaler’s subversive stagings and the perturbing films by the great director David Lynch.” (La Repubblica)”.