From November 5 to 8, Riga will host the Baltic Drama Forum 2026, bringing together theatre professionals, researchers, critics, and practitioners from the Baltic states and beyond to examine contemporary performing arts trends and forge international collaborations, according to announcements by theatre.lv and lka.edu.lv.
International Scientific Conference at Latvian Academies
Running from November 5 to 7, the international scientific conference titled “Liminal Practices in Contemporary Academia: Between Artistic Research and Research in the Arts” will take place at the Jāzeps Vītols Latvian Academy of Music and the Latvian Academy of Culture’s Theatre House “Zirgu pasts,” in cooperation with the “Cultures Crossroads” conference, theatre.lv reported. The sessions examine how contemporary cultural contexts reshape research and knowledge creation in stage art. Key panel speakers include Portuguese curator and contemporary opera researcher Jeļena Novaka, Jāzeps Vītols Latvian Academy of Music vice-rector and pianist Diāna Zandberga, and Italian curator and dramaturge Piersandra di Matteo.
Public Discussion on Contemporary Dramaturgy
On November 6, from 15.00 to 17.00, the Theatre House “Zirgu pasts” Karamazov Hall will host an open public discussion titled “No Time for Drama,” exploring why new plays remain vital when historical masterpieces already exist, lka.edu.lv noted. The conversation tracks the trajectory of a new script from an author’s initial idea to the stage. Dramaturge Rasa Bugavičute-Pēce will moderate the panel discussion, which will be conducted in English.
Baltic Play Readings at the Eduard Smiļģis Theatre Museum
On November 7, starting at 15.00, the Latvian Academy of Culture Eduard Smiļģis Theatre Museum will host dramaturgy readings where authors from the Baltic states present unproduced plays and upcoming production concepts, according to theatre.lv. These sessions aim to highlight how regional perspectives manifest in contemporary writing. Estonian dramaturg Laur Kaunissaare and Evarts Melnalksnis will lead the English-language conversations between playwrights and audiences. Entry requires a free invitation available via the “Biļešu paradīze” ticketing network.
Latvian Theatrical Productions Welcome International Professionals
The forum itinerary incorporates a curated selection of Latvian theatrical productions intended to introduce visiting international professionals to local artistic investigations, lka.edu.lv reported. This showcase expands through a guest performance of the production “Oval” by the Šiauliai State Drama Theatre, facilitating cross-border artistic exchange. The performance is presented in Lithuanian with Latvian and English subtitles, with tickets accessible through public sales.
Frequently Asked Questions About Baltic Drama Forum 2026
Who organizes the Baltic Drama Forum 2026?
The event is organized by the Latvian Theatre Workers’ Union, operating on a triennial rotation among the three Baltic nations.
Which organizations provide financial backing for the event?
The Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Latvia and the Riga City Council financially support the forum.
What are the working languages for the conference sessions and readings?
The international scientific conference, panel discussions, and author readings will be conducted in English.
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