Theme: University Theatre in the Time of Global Challenges
University theatre does not exist in isolation. It responds, resists, reflects, and reinvents itself in the face of global realities. The XIII World Congress of the International University Theatre Association (AITU-IUTA), to be held at Vilnius University in Lithuania, invites researchers, artists, educators, independent scholars, practitioners, and students to explore the evolving role of university theatre in our rapidly changing world.
The Congress theme — University Theatre in the Time of Global Challenges — seeks to understand how university theatres across the globe engage with urgent crises and transformations. These include the climate emergency, political instability, war and occupation, migration, engagement with AI, and the lasting effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. It also raises essential questions about the future of university theatre: What values should guide its development? How can it remain resilient, relevant, and critical in times of uncertainty?
We welcome proposals that explore this theme through scholarly research, artistic practice, pedagogical innovation or interdisciplinary dialogue.
Areas of Focus
Participants are invited to address one or more of the following key areas:
Climate Crisis and Ecological Responsibility
The environmental emergency is reshaping all sectors of society, including the arts. University theatres can play a role in raising awareness about climate change through performance, but also by adopting sustainable production methods and engaging with eco-theatre practices. Researchers might consider: How can university theatres promote environmental consciousness? What are examples of “green” theatre-making within academic institutions?
Political Instability, Repression, and Activism
In many regions, rising authoritarism, censorship, and ideological conflict threaten freedom of expression. University theatres, often seen as safe or protected spaces, can become sites of resistance and political engagement. Papers might explore: How do university theatres respond to or reflect political instability? Can theatre serve as a tool for civic dialogue or protest within academic settings?
War, Occupation, and Conflict
War and occupation are not just distant headlines—some university communities live through them and create theatre in their shadow. These experiences shape not only the themes explored on stage but also the conditions under which theatre is made. Contributors are encouraged to examine: How does theatre respond to conditions of war or post-conflict recovery? How do students and faculty create meaningful work amid or in response to violence and displacement?
Migration and Identity
Global migration—whether due to war, economic instability, or climate change—raises urgent questions about identity, belonging, and cultural dialogue. University theatres often work with diverse student populations and can be powerful platforms for exploring migrant narratives and intercultural performance. Researchers might ask: How is migration represented or embodied in university theatre? In what ways can university theatres create space for migrant voices to be heard authentically and collaboratively?
Pandemics and New Theatrical Forms
The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted traditional theatre-making and forced innovation in digital and hybrid performance. This has transformed both how and where university theatre takes place. Questions for exploration include: What pedagogical or performative practices emerged during the pandemic? How did the pandemic alter concepts of liveness, community, and themes in university theatre?
Artificial Intelligence and University Theatre
Artificial Intelligence is radically changing our lives and our modes of production and creation, and this is particularly true in artistic practices. As a privileged place of observation and experimentation in this development, how is the University Theatre participating in the various spheres of theatrical production, criticism, and theory?
Rethinking the Role of University Theatre in a Changing World
Finally, we encourage broad reflections on the evolving identity and purpose of university theatre itself. In times of global uncertainty, what values should guide theatre within academic contexts? How do we balance artistic freedom with institutional responsibilities? What does the future of university theatre look like?
Programme of activities
The programme of activities consists of scientific, educational, and entertaining events: guests’ presentations, workshops, demonstrations, cultural tours, and the International University Theatre Festival. All main Congress events are located within walking distance.
Working languages
Official languages of the Congress are Lithuanian, English, French, and Spanish. Official ceremonies and plenary sessions will be translated simultaneously. There will be no translation during the paper sessions.
Submissions
Proposals are invited for four main types of activities:
Submissions should include up to a 250-word titled abstract, including an English translation if the abstract is not in English, complete contact information, and institutional affiliation of the proponent, and a short biographical note with a list of selected publications.
The proposal submission is accepted here.
Deadlines
- Receipt of abstracts, proposals for demonstrations and workshops: 1st of November, 2025
The Congress Scientific Committee will conduct selection on a rolling basis and send official notification, via email, within one month of receipt of an application and no later than the 30th of November, 2025.
- Receipt of proposals for theatre performances to participate in the International University Theatre Festival: 1st of November, 2025.
Selection and official notification, via email, within one month of receipt of an application and no later than the 30th of November, 2025.
Costs
The Congress participants pay:
- participation fee (will be announced in September 2025);
- travel expenses to/from Vilnius, Lithuania;
- accommodation;
- visa costs (if necessary);
- health insurance (if necessary).
International University Theatre Festival participants pay:
- travel expenses to/from Vilnius, Lithuania;
- visa costs (if necessary);
- health insurance (if necessary).
The number of participants per theatre company is limited; an additional fee will apply for extra participants. Full information will be announced after the selection.
We look forward to your submissions and to welcoming you to Vilnius in July 2026!
The XIII AITU-IUTA World Congress Organizing Committee