International University Theatre Forum in Vilnius

International University Theatre Forum in Vilnius is an annual international event in Lithuania. It is organised by Vilnius Gediminas Technical University, Vilnius University, University Theatre Association and Association “Koturnos”. The event is under the guardianship of the AITU-IUTA (de l’Association internationale de théâtre à l’université - the International University Theatre Association).

International University Theatre Forum invites young performers from university theatre groups for interactive theatrical performances and aims to bring social problems and heritage questions to public’s attention. It also gives the possibility for performers to get to know each other, to interact and exchange experience. It is a unique event for young people in the Baltic countries.

The main audience of the Forum are the residents and visitors in Vilnius and from other Lithuanian cities. Since theatre troupes from other countries are performing in their own languages, tourists are also encouraged to come and watch performances.

History

International Universities Theatre Forum in Vilnius was founded by University Theatre Association in 2000.

By choosing word “Forum”, instead of “Festival”, organizers wanted to show that this event has evolved, and now hosts more than performances. It holds creative laboratories, encourages discussions, national evenings, and, since fourth Forum - theatrical actions.

Each Forum has its individual theme. In the first three Forums themes were unfolded directly by performances. Since finding guests, whom performances would meet special criteria is quite a challenging task, instead doing so organizers decided to reveal the Forum‘s theme by theatrical actions.

Theatrical actions

Theatrical actions - short (lasting from 15 to half-an-hour) thematic (intended to reveal a certain idea) performances which are happening in different places of Vilnius during the Forum. They usually do not require a long-term preparation, a lot of rehearsals, nor significant funds. Most of them are performed outdoors.

It has become a distinctive mark of the Forum, a great opportunity for students interested in theatre to try their hand at creating it, and for Forum participants - possibility to express student theatre society, focus on relevant topics, explain and present their position, their ideas to public.

The tradition of the Forum is still alive today and it has become an event, where viewers can witness newest performances of student theatres, meet and familiarize with different cultures, hear, discuss and share opinions about important social matters.

Awards

Forum is non-competitive event. Since there are no official categories, jury feels free to award participants or troupes for most memorable characters and performances.

Written sources

Forum is mentioned in a number of written sources, including articles and books. Most (but not all) of the articles are in Lithuanian journals and websites that are connected to art, theatre and culture. Moreover, there is one section dedicated to International University Theatre Forum in Vilnius in a book called „The University Theatre. Practice and Experience“ published by Robert Germay and Philippe Poirrier in 2013. The importance of university theatre and International University Theatre Forum in Vilnius is also mentioned in the book „Creativity and education. The role of director in University Theatre“ written by Rimantas Venckus, which was published in 2013.

Next Forum

The 16th International University Theatre Forum will be held on 5-9 of May, 2015. There will be participating several Lithuanian student theaters and guests groups from foreign countries.

External links

• http://forumas.vgtu.lt/en/
• Official facebook page

References

• http://forumas.vgtu.lt/en/
• http://aitu-iuta.org/index.php/public/en/festivals?cid=31&month=*&year=*
• http://act-active.eu/uploads/editor/0.29695300%201325232953ACT_%20good%20practice%20SIH1.pdf