International Theatre Workshop Launched in Sopron - Young Artists from Six Countries Collaborate in a Weeklong Creative Residency

Organised under the auspices of SZFE, the workshop hosts students and master teachers from six countries – Hungary, Spain, Romania, Peru, Bulgaria, and Mongolia – including representatives from the University of Theatre and Film Arts Budapest, the Faculty of Arts at Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Science Rippl-Rónai Campus in Kaposvár, the Universitatea Națională de Artă Teatrală și Cinematografică “I.L. Caragiale” (National University of Theatre and Film Arts, Bucharest) in Romania, the Universidad Peruana de Ciencias Aplicadas (UPC) in Peru (Peruvian University of Applied Sciences), Spain’s Escuela Superior de Arte Dramático de Castilla y León (Higher School of Dramatic Arts of Castile and León), the Mongolian State Academic Theatre of Drama and the Drama and Puppet Theatre of the National Academy for Theatre and Film Arts in Bulgaria.

This international ensemble of over 80 participants engages in a dynamic programme of training sessions, workshops, and collective creative processes, fostering a rich exchange of theatrical traditions, methodologies, and visions. The endeavour seeks not only to share knowledge, but also to cultivate new possibilities for intercultural cooperation and artistic innovation.

Prof. Dr. Enikő Sepsi, Rector of SZFE, underlined in her welcome address:
“The International Theatre Workshop is far more than a summer academic event. It forms an integral part of SZFE’s international strategy and development. We are delighted that our students have the opportunity again to collaborate in such a vibrant and inspiring environment, working side by side with young artists from across the globe. Encounters of diverse cultural heritages, the mutual sharing of theatrical expertise and the act of creation itself may offer formative experiences that resonate throughout our participants’ professional journeys. We believe that this initiative contributes to the shaping of open-minded, transnational theatre communities.”

Each morning, the programme commences with intensive training sessions led by acclaimed Hungarian and international theatre practitioners. As András Kozma, dramaturg, literary translator, SZFE lecturer and leader of the workshop (representing the National Theatre), explained: participants are introduced to a wide spectrum of actor training methods – from the classical techniques of Stanislavski and Nemirovich-Danchenko, through Michael Chekhov’s method, to Grotowski- and Suzuki-based actor training, as well as contemporary physical theatre practices.

Afternoons are devoted to collaborative creation in international, mixed groups, mentored by director students. These sessions culminate in the development of 20–25-minute performance pieces inspired by Romeo and Juliet, reinterpreted through the tools of contemporary theatre. The final presentations will be staged in Sopron on 8 July.

The workshop is enriched by cultural and community events, including city tours, traditional Hungarian folk dancing, night party in the swimming pool, fire jumping and a visit to the Cave Theatre. Beyond the professional enrichment, the organisers aspire to foster enduring human connections and unforgettable shared experiences.

Prof. Dr. Attila Gábor Fábián, Rector of the University of Sopron, emphasised:
“It is a great honour for both our city and our university to host such an international gathering of artistic minds. A modern university must be more than a centre of academic excellence; it must also serve as a welcoming space for artistic expression and cultural engagement. We highly valued the partnership we have forged with SZFE and the National Theatre. Our students and faculty not only benefit from this summer programme, but also throughout the academic year, as part of the ‘Theatre, Naturally!’ performance series, which brings two productions per semester to our cultural calendar. Sopron is also a proud citadel of culture. The University of Sopron, honoured with the title of ‘University of the Year 2025,’ is steadfast in its support of the next generation of artists.”

This initiative stems from a tripartite cooperation agreement signed in May 2025 by the three institutions, aimed at launching joint artistic and educational ventures. The collaboration aspires to create platforms that nurture creativity, stimulate professional dialogue, and offer practical, experience-based learning opportunities. Ultimately, the partnership seeks not only to advance the development of young artists, but also to invigorate the broader Hungarian cultural landscape with fresh inspiration and international perspectives.