Tbilisi International Festival of Theatre named in EFFE laureate list

By Mariam Chanishvili

Friday, Auugust 11

Mission of the festival - Enhancement of the cultural life in Tbilisi and Georgia by the innovative theatre productions and the well-known, creative, provocative performances; integration of Georgia on the international map of culture.

Tbilisi international festival of theatre, founded in 2009, is one of the most important cultural events of Tbilisi. Apart from Tbilisi, the festival has become one of the main performing arts events in the region. This year, the festival will take place from September 18 to October 14 bringing some international theatre productions with the Georgian stage. This year’s locations are going to include Royal District Theatre, Marjanishvili Theatre, Movement Theatre, Expo Georgia, Tbilisi Music and Drama State Theatre. The Festival has hosted famous artists of the world stage such as Giorgio Strehler, Eimuntas Nekrosius, Robert Lepage, Philipe Genty, Maya Klechevska, Oskaras Korsunovas, Silviu Purcarete, Slava Polunin, etc. The artists from all over the world - Israel, Argentina, Germany, France, Russia, Ukraine, China, UK, Italy, Sweden, Lithuania, Estonia, Finland, USA and Austria - take part in the festival each year. Tbilisi International Festival of Theatre has been nominated among the 26 favorites of the Europe for Festivals, Festivals for Europe (EFFE) International Jury. These 26 Laureates will compete for a prestigious European award on September 18 in Brussels, Belgium. Pawel Potoroczyn, chair of the final EFFE Jury meeting said the ‘Label list’ covered 39 countries overall. “The geographical reach, diverse festivals’ scope and diversity in arts disciplines, as well as a strong social engagement, are reflected in these 26 EFFE Laureates celebrating the diverse festivals’ community all over Europe,” he said. “Congratulations to all the laureates! And we hope the award goes to Tbilisi on September 18!” director of the Tbilisi International festival, Ekaterina Mazmishvili, has posted on her Facebook page. Tbilisi International Festival of Theatre consists of the International Program, International Program “NEW”, Georgian Showcase Program, New Market, International assemblies and symposiums of critics “Culture Bridge”, master classes, workshops and exhibitions. The programme of the festival is published on the website - www.tbilisiinternational.com. “This festival always has something to inspire and to surprise. This is my favorite fall event,” said Ani Khvedelidze, a regular spectator of Tbilisi Theatre festival.