Cyprus International Theatre Festival returns

After a highly successful first season in 2024, hosting artists such as John Malkovich, Kirill Serebrennikov, and Ivan Vyrypaev, the Cyprus International Theatre Festival (CITF) is returning with a programme that features internationally renowned artists and ensembles while also providing a platform for local artists, thereby strengthening the local production scene.

With a focus on artistic diversity, experimentation, education, and the expansion of the festival's audience, CITF has prepared a programme that includes performances, workshops, and discussions. The aim is to strengthen the role of arts and culture, establish bridges of communication among all communities of the island, and create a strong core of cultural creation.

This year, special emphasis is placed on family-friendly performances and non-verbal productions, making the festival accessible to more communities.

Respect and acceptance

This year's festival theme, 'Fragments of Who We Are' is an exploration of human identity and the invisible threads that connect, define, and differentiate us. Each performance and each story serves as a "fragment" of human existence, emphasizing that diversity and unity coexist and are inseparably linked. Inspired by the vision of its founder, Alexander Weinstein, for mutual understanding through art, the festival acts as a mirror in which we discover ourselves through others, reinforcing acceptance and respect.

Featuring world class artists

The festival will open on March 16 with the production 'Io sono un errore' by the world-famous Belgian director Jan Fabre, one of the most innovative and influential directors in contemporary theatre. Through his daring theatrical writing and directorial approach, Fabre will delve into the depths of human existence, delivering a spectacular start to this year’s festival.

Next in line is the No Gravity dance company from Italy, presenting 'Commedia Divina' inspired by Dante’s epic poem. This production aspires to mesmerize audiences through a technique that makes dancers appear to defy gravity, creating breathtakingly beautiful imagery.

Following this, the renowned American dance company Pilobolus will take the stage, showcasing a selection of its most celebrated works, carefully chosen for this year's festival.

Cypriot productions

One of the festival’s core missions is to support local productions. This year, the festival will host two performances by Cypriot creators:

The theatre group À Vendre will present "Voices from Chernobyl" based on the book by Nobel Prize-winning author Svetlana Alexievich. The play has been translated, dramaturgically adapted, and directed by the acclaimed Cypriot director Maria Kyriakou, supported by an exceptional creative team.

Catering to its youngest audience members, the festival will break new ground by presenting a children’s production for ages 2-6, titled "Chroma". The show is the work of the award-winning team of Stavros Stavrou (Humart production), Kostas Sylvestros (director), and Thodoris Oikonomou (music).

A festival that becomes a cultural pillar

The Cyprus International Theatre Festival is evolving into a major cultural pillar, aiming to position Cyprus on the wider cultural map. Through a programme that combines innovative directorial approaches and high-caliber performances, it seeks to offer audiences powerful and unique theatrical experiences.

For more information and the full programme, visit the CITF website.