You will find below a first look at the programme of the ETC International Theatre Conference titled 'Open to the World' (23 - 26 April 2026).
Please note that the programme outline currently published will be continuously updated over the coming weeks, and can be subject to change.
Thursday 23 April 2026
Göteborgs Stadsteater
15:30 - 19:00
15:30-19:00
Welcome Desk
15:30-16:30
ETC Board Meeting
17:00-17:30
ETC Buddy Meeting
For new Member Theatres and designated 'Buddies’.
17:30-18:45
Opening Reception
Join us for the kick-off of the event and opening speeches, as we set the stage for an engaging and inspiring series of sessions, discussions and performances.
19:00 - 21:30
Performance: The Gothenburg Riots – as if another world were possible
19:00-20:45
Performance: Hecuba
19:00-20:30
Performance: Black / Woman
Friday 24 April 2026
Göteborgs Stadsteater
09:30 - 18:45
09:30- 09:40
Welcome
09:40-10:00
Keynote - Equity, Leadership, and the Future of National Theatres
With:
- Josette Bushell-Mingo, Principal of the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama (UK) and former Artistic Director of the National Black Theatre of Sweden - a leading voice on diversity, access and institutional transformation
10:00-11:00
Panel #1: National Theatres in a Changing Political Landscape
How do national theatres navigate shifting political climates, cultural policy changes, and rising polarisation?
11:00-11:30
Coffee Break
11:30-12:30
Table Talks
12:30-13:30
Networking Lunch
13:30-14:30
ETC General Assembly (ETC Members only, closed session)
14:30-15:30
The Road Ahead: Break the Mould - Collaboration with ETC in the Next Six Months
What is coming up at ETC over the next six months? Discover exclusive possibilities for funding, artistic innovation and new European collaborations as part of ETC's EU-funded programme, BREAK THE MOULD. Featuring the launch of new grants and training across our programmes on digital, diverse, sustainable and next generation theatre.
Project Pitching
ETC Member Theatres present concrete project ideas, look for partners and call for artistic collaborations.
15:30-16:00
Coffee Break
16:00-17:00
Split Sessions
- ETC Theatre Green Book- A Greener Future
- Partner Up! ETC Grants & Collaborations
- European Theatre Awards
- Accesibility
19:00-20:45
Performance: Hecuba
19:00-20:00
Performance: The Little Girl With Gortsa
Saturday 25 April 2026
Göteborgs Stadsteater/Backa Teater
10:00-18:00
10:00
Welcome
10:05-10:20
Impulse
With:
- Katie Mitchell, Theatre Director [video intervention]
10:20-11:30
Panel #2: Women Theatre Leaders in a Global Perspective & the Role of Allies
11:30-12:00
Coffee Break
12:00-13:00
Table Talks
13:00-14:30
Networking Lunch
14:30-15:45
Peer-to-Peer Sessions
17:45-18:00
Closing of the ETC International Theatre Conference
18:00-19:30
Performance: 1984
18:30-20:00
Performance: K
20:30 - 22:30
Joint Dinner at Göteborgs Stadsteater
Sunday 26 April 2026
11:00-12:00
11:00-12:00
Boat Tour around Gothenburg
© ETC / Göteborgs Stadsteater
