The Shakespeare Festival in Craiova
The Shakespeare International Festival kicked off in Craiova.
Leyla Cheamil, 22.05.2026, 13:50
The Craiova International Shakespeare Festival (south of Romania), now in its 15th edition, opened its doors on Thursday evening, scheduling over 450 events until May 31. Artists from all over the world will perform, from theatre to visual arts, film, music, opera, dance, and literature.
According to the organizers, this year’s theme, “WILL matters / Will creates matter,” invites reflection on willpower as a creative force and engine of imagination. It also expands the festival as an urban and community experience, extending Craiova’s cultural map and bringing the performing arts closer to the general public. Performances take place not only in theatres but also in public squares, neighborhoods and unconventional spaces, transforming familiar places into stages of play, imagination, and participation. “Since the previous edition, renowned experts have described our festival as the largest Shakespeare festival in the world,” said the festival’s president, Vlad Drăgulescu, noting that it has grown, taken over hall after hall, and now spreads throughout the entire city.
The first day was dedicated to Japanese culture. The program included, among other events, an inaugural parade inspired by traditional matsuri festivals and a tea ceremony. Present at the official opening, Japan’s ambassador to Romania, Takashi Katae, stated that the Craiova Festival confirms its role as a major platform for cultural dialogue between Romania and Japan, emphasizing that in the bilateral relationship, culture and human exchange are central pillars of Romanian Japanese cooperation.
Among the announced events are “The Dance of the Flying Fire” and “Circurios” by Austria’s Flare Performance company, “Out of the Deep Blue” by the British troupe Autin Dance Theatre, and “Ganda – The Rhinoceros,” a street performance by Italy’s Teatro delle Isole. At Casa Băniei, productions inspired by William Shakespeare’s works are presented under the direction of Anca Sigartău, including “Romeo and Juliet,” “The Taming of the Shrew,” and “The Merchant of Venice.”
The Shakespeare Metropolitan section brings the festival into city neighborhoods and Youth Park through pop up shows, children’s workshops, and artistic interventions by Romanian and international artists, as well as more than 160 Erasmus+ Shakespeare students. Meanwhile, the Shakespeare Metropolitan caravan reaches localities around Craiova, offering interactive workshops, recitals, and comedy shows with free access.
A major highlight of this year’s edition is Promenada Mall Craiova, where more than 30 performances and events are scheduled for all ages, from puppetry and magic to acrobatics, exhibitions, and multimedia installations. (EE)
