You will find below the programme of the ETC International Theatre Conference and final STAGES Forum (5-9 November 2025).
Stay tuned as we will reveal the speakers and experts in the coming weeks.
5 November 2025
11:00-12:50
Performance: Siberian Haiku, dir. Valters Sīlis
Venue: Latvia Puppet Theatre, Main Hall
14:00-14:30
STAGES Forum: Registration
Arrive at your own pace and step into the buzz of the final STAGES Forum. Take a moment to wander through the venue, discover what awaits in the programme, and spark conversations with fellow guests while enjoying tea, coffee, or refreshing water before the sessions get underway.
Venue: Dailes Theatre, Lobby
14:15-14:30
STAGES Forum: Performative Act - Site-specific performative intervention
- Krista Burāne and performers
The forum begins with a captivating performative intervention by Krista Burāne, inviting you into the space through quiet movement and symbolic presence. Performers in her striking upcycled bird costumes will weave through the theatre, setting the mood for the days ahead. Merging visual poetry with ecological purpose, the performance stirs reflection on care, transformation, and our shared relationship with waste and wonder.
Venue: Dailes Theatre, Lobby
14:00-ongoing:
STAGES Forum: STAGES Productions Showcase - Exhibition
- Slovene National Theatre Maribor
- Croatian National Theatre
- MC93
- Théâtre de Liège
- Teatro Nacional D. Maria II (Dona Maria)
- Dramaten - Royal Dramatic Theatre
- NTGent
- Piccolo Teatro di Milano
- National Theatre and Concert Hall Taipei
Step into the creative world behind STAGES productions in this exhibition of curated excerpts, visual materials, and design elements from performances across the STAGES network. Presented in an open, flexible format, it invites you to explore each production at your own pace. On the second day, directors and creative teams will join the space for informal conversations and reflections. Details will be waiting for you on site.
Venue: Dailes Theatre, Lobby
14:30-14:45
STAGES Forum: Opening Session - Layered statements
- Monika Diāna Cālīte – Host
- Tālis Juhna – Riga Technical University
- Serge Rangoni – Théâtre de Liège
- Heidi Wiley – European Theatre Convention
The forum officially begins as host Monika Diāna Cālīte welcomes you into the space, followed by opening remarks from distinguished guests spanning science, culture, policy, and European collaboration. Their voices come together to reveal the cross-sector nature of the STAGES project and the shared urgency of embedding sustainability in the performing arts. This first session sets the tone for the forum: reflective, ambitious, and rooted in collective responsibility.
Venue: Dailes Theatre, Main Stage
14:45-15:30
STAGES Forum: Why Does Green Theatre Still Matter? - Panel
- José Manuel Fernández-Arroyo - Deputy Head of Unit of Creative Europe - DG EAC - European Commission
- Serge Rangoni – Théâtre de Liège
- Santa Remere – New Theatre Institute of Latvia, Homo Novus
- Madara Merle – WWF Latvia, Head of Climate Programme
- Germans Ermičs – internationally acclaimed scenographer and designer, one of the 15 most promising young designers by The New York Times Style Magazine
This panel invites you to consider a pressing question: Why does sustainable theatre still matter and what role can it play today? Set against a backdrop where climate concerns share attention with geopolitical instability, economic resilience, and other urgent priorities, the session introduces you to the STAGES project in its shifting global context. Together, you’ll explore the promise and challenges of sustainable theatre, and its connections to wider issues like mobility, resilience, migration, and security.
Venue: Dailes Theatre, Main Stage
15:30-16:45
STAGES Forum: Quick Takes on Sustainability - Lightning Talks
Nathalie Martinelli – Piccolo Teatro di Milano Emmanuelle Lejeune – Théâtre de Liège
Janette Lin – National Theatre & Concert Hall Taipei
Kitija Balcare, PhD (c.) in Environmental Humanities – Riga Technical University
Aušra Pociūtė – Lithuanian National Drama Theatre
Mario Gigović – Croatian National Theatre
Natasja Börjeson – Dramaten
Mātīss Kaža – Latvian film and theatre director, screenwriter, and producer, best known internationally as the producer of the Oscar-winning short animation Flow
Jānis Brizga – Expert in sustainability and environmental economics
This session invites you into a rapid-fire series of 3-minute talks from across the STAGES network and beyond, featuring artists, curators, theatre leaders, researchers, and sustainability experts. Each speaker brings you a sharp insight, a challenge faced, a solution tested, or an idea worth sharing. With voices spanning Europe and beyond, from national theatres to independent creators and scientific thinkers, you’ll experience a lively cross-section of how sustainability is being questioned, tested, and reimagined in real time. Up to 20 speakers take the stage, each sparking a fresh perspective in just 180 seconds.
Venue: Dailes Theatre, Main Stage
16:45-17:00
STAGES Forum: Snacks and Drinks Break
Take a short break between sessions to grab a snack, enjoy a drink, and recharge. Use this moment to pause, reflect, and connect informally before diving into the afternoon’s program. Light refreshments will be waiting for you on site.
Venue: Dailes Theatre, Caffe
17:00-17:45
STAGES Forum: What STAGES Leaves Behind, Publications & Results - 15-minute keynotes
- Kitija Balcare - PhD (c.) in Environmental Humanities, Riga Technical University
- Andrea De Toni - Politecnico di Milano
- Özgül Demiralp - European Theatre Convention (ETC)
This session invites you to explore three core publications that capture the STAGES project’s most valuable tools, lessons, and research, offering a practical guide for advancing sustainability in the performing arts. In three focused 10-minute presentations, you’ll be introduced to:
The Practical Paper ‘Towards Sustainable Theatre: Mapping the Impact of STAGES Theatres,’ shared by Kitija Balcare, with tools, tips, and actionable steps for making theatre more sustainable.
The Scientific Paper presented by Vania Rodrigues, offering research-based insights into how sustainability is implemented and experienced across diverse theatre contexts.
The Casebook introduced by a representative from ETC, revealing behind-the-scenes practices, experiments, and learnings from STAGES partner theatres.The session closes with a 15-minute Q&A with the full Scientific Committee giving you the chance to reflect, discuss, and consider how to carry this knowledge forward.
Venue: Dailes Theatre, Main Stage
17:45-18:00
STAGES Forum: Closing of Day 1
- Monika Diāna Cālīte – Host
To close the day, the host will share key takeaways, offer thanks to the speakers, guests, and partners, and give you a sneak peek at what’s in store for tomorrow. A moment to reflect, reset, and get ready for the evening ahead.
Venue: Dailes Theatre, Main Stage
18:30-20:20
Performance: Siberian Haiku, dir. Valters Sīlis
Venue: Latvian Puppet Theatre, Main Hall
19:00-21:30
Performance: The National Network, dir. Matiss Kaža
Venue: National Theatre of Latvia, Large Hall
19:00-19:45
Performance: that's all we can do, dir. Andrejs Jarovojs
Venue: Theatre Ģertrūdes ielas teātris
19:00- 22:30
Performance: Oracle, dir. Lukašs Tvarkovskis (Łukasz Twarkowski)
Venue: Dailes Theatre, Hall
6 November 2025
09:00-09:30
ETC International Theatre Conference and STAGES Forum: Registration
Arrive at your own pace and register for the ETC International Theatre Conference and the final STAGES Forum Day 2, easing into the day with time to explore the venue, browse the program, and connect with others over tea, coffee, or water before the sessions begin.
Venue: Dailes Theatre, Lobby
09:15-09:30
STAGES Forum: Artistic Intervention "Micēliju tīklā (In the Mycelium Network)" - Contemporary Dance Performance
- Laukku - Latvian contemporary dance collective
Venue: Dailes Theatre, Main Stage
09:30-09:45
STAGES Forum: Opening
Monika Diāna Cālīte
Pascal Gielen - Sociologist
Venue: Dailes Theatre, Main Stage
09:45-10:45
STAGES Forum: Inside the Making of Sustainable Productions - Panel
Manon Faure - The Invisible is Not Not Existent, Théâtre de Liège
Jacob Hirdwall - 77 Messages for the Future, Dramaten
Marco d’Agostin – Piccolo Teatro di Milano
Moderated by ETC
This panel brings you into conversation with the directors and artists behind some of the most compelling STAGES productions, as they share how they approached sustainability not only in theme, but in the way their work was made. From set design and touring strategies to materials, methods, and team dynamics, each project offers a unique perspective on creating theatre with ecological awareness at its core. You can expect real stories, practical insights, and honest reflections on what worked and what didn’t.
Venue: Dailes Theatre, Main Stage
10:45-11:15
STAGES Forum: The Doughnut Protocol for Theatre and Companies: A New Framework for Sustainability - Keynote
- Noura Sairour - Company Lieux-Dits
Emmanuelle Lejeune – Théâtre de Liège
Nathalie Martinelli – Piccolo Teatro di Milano
- Benjamin Virc - Maribor
Modereted by ETC
This keynote invites you to explore the STAGES Doughnut Protocol, a unique framework inspired by Kate Raworth’s Doughnut Economics and adapted for the performing arts sector. Developed and tested by STAGES partner theatres, the protocol helps you reflect on your organisation’s environmental and social impact across programming, operations, partnerships, and internal culture.
Whether you are part of a producing house or an independent company, the Doughnut Protocol provides a practical and comprehensive tool for navigating sustainability in real-world contexts. Speakers from across the STAGES network share how the process unfolded in their institutions and what it revealed about the challenges, contradictions, and opportunities of embedding sustainability at every level.
Venue: Dailes Theatre, Main Stage
11:00-12:35
Performance: Salmon Stasis, dir. Edgars Kaufelds
Venue: Latvia Puppet Theatre
11:15-12:15
STAGES Forum: ETC Theatre Green Book: A General Approach - Workshop
- Paddy Dillon, Lisa Burger - Renew Culture
This hands-on session invites you to dive into the Theatre Green Book as a practical tool for making sustainability a core part of theatre productions. You’ll hear participating theatres share real-world examples of how they’ve applied the Green Book in planning, design, and collaboration, tackling a common challenge: how can theatres that don’t produce in-house still achieve sustainability goals in co-productions or guest performances?
The discussion highlights practical tools, team engagement strategies, and shifts in process, showing how barriers can be turned into opportunities. You’ll also see how the Green Book connects with other STAGES resources, including the Doughnut Protocol, self-assessment tools, and impact measurement methods, demonstrating how these frameworks together spark a systemic shift toward more sustainable, collaborative theatre-making.
Venue: Dailes Theatre, Breakout Room 1
11:15-12:15
STAGES Forum: ETC Theatre Green Book: Focus on Productions - Workshop
- Paddy Dillon, Lisa Burger - Renew Culture
This workshop invites you to take a closer look at the Theatre Green Book’s guidance on Buildings, with a focus on organisations operating in venues they don’t fully control. From shared spaces to historic infrastructure, many theatres face challenges when trying to meet sustainability standards.
You will hear from STAGES partner institutions about how progress is still possible, even without full authority over a building’s systems, materials, or management. The session shares practical approaches, alternative pathways, and key learnings from real-life attempts to apply the Green Book’s Buildings guidance.
Venue: Dailes Theatre, Breakout Room 2
11:15-12:15
STAGES Forum: STAGES Doughnut Protocol in Action: For Theatres - Workshop
- Julie Grieshaber - Researcher
This hands-on session invites you to explore the STAGES Doughnut Protocol, a strategic tool adapted from Doughnut Economics and tailored for the performing arts. More than a checklist, it helps you assess environmental and social impact across programming, operations, partnerships, and internal culture while sparking team engagement, guiding goal-setting, and laying the foundation for deeper transformation, including the use of tools like the Theatre Green Book.
After a short introduction to the protocol’s structure and purpose, partner theatres lead you through a practical workshop, sharing how they brought it to life in their own institutions, what they discovered, and how change began to take root. It’s a grounded, actionable glimpse of what a sustainable transition can look like from the inside out.
Venue: Dailes Theatre, Breakout Room 3
12:15-12:30
Coffee Break
Take a short intermission to enjoy tea, coffee, or water, and recharge before the program continues. Use this time to pause, reflect on the day so far, and connect in conversation with fellow participants.
Venue: Dailes Theatre, Caffe
12:30-13:30
STAGES Forum: Touring Without Moving: The Realities of Restaging and Concept Sharing - Panel
- Noura Sairour - Company Lieux-Dits
- Hsin-I Lin – National Theatre & Concert Hall Taipei
This panel invites you to explore the emerging practice of restaging and concept touring, where theatre travels through shared ideas rather than freight and flights. With artists and curators behind projects like A Play for the Living, you’ll dive into how creative teams are rethinking mobility, authorship, and sustainability, asking what is gained artistically, what can be lost in translation, and how this model might grow.
Featuring voices from theatres across Europe, Asia, and Africa, the conversation opens up the real-world potential and creative complexity of touring without moving.
Venue: Dailes Theatre, Main Stage
13:30-13:45
STAGES Forum: Closing Reflections
- Monika Diāna Cālīte - Host
As the forum draws to a close, you’re invited to reflect on the ideas, exchanges, and shared visions that have taken shape over the past two days. This final session offers a concise recap of key takeaways, heartfelt thanks to speakers, partners, and participants, and a glimpse of what lies ahead for the STAGES journey and for sustainability in the performing arts.
Venue: Dailes Theatre, Main Stage
13:45-11:00
STAGES Forum: Light Lunch & Networking
Take a midday break to recharge with hearty snacks and a selection of drinks. Use this time to refresh, connect informally, and gather energy before the afternoon sessions. All refreshments will be ready for you on site.
Venue: Dailes Theatre, Caffe
15:00-16:00
STAGES Forum: STAGES Productions Showcase - Exhibition
Step into the creative world behind STAGES productions in this exhibition of curated excerpts, visual materials, and design elements from performances across the STAGES network. Presented in an open, flexible format, it invites you to explore each production at your own pace. Throughout the space, directors and creative teams are on hand, offering rare opportunities for informal conversations about process, inspiration, and the choices that shaped each work.
Venue: Dailes Theatre, Lobby
15:00-16:00
ETC International Theatre Conference: Board Meeting [for the ETC Board of Directors only]
Venue: Dailes Theatre, Meeting Room
16:00-17:30
STAGES Forum: Partner Gathering - Executive Board Meeting (closed session, invivtation-only)
This formal, invitation-only gathering brings STAGES partners and collaborators together in a more personal setting. With snacks and drinks to share, it’s a moment to reconnect, exchange reflections, and acknowledge the collective work behind the project. More than a celebration, it’s a space for candid conversation about what has been challenging, what remains unfinished, and what possibilities lie ahead. A closing gesture of connection, care, and continued collaboration.
Venue: Dailes Theatre, Glass Hall
16:30-17:30
ETC International Theatre Conference: Buddy Meeting [For new Member Theatres and designated 'Buddies’ only]
18:00-19:00
ETC International Theatre Conference: Opening Reception
- Agnese Lāce - Minister of Culture of Latvia
- Claudia Belchior - Europpean Theatre Convention President
- Heidi Wiley - Executive Director of ETC
- Viesturs Kairišs - Theatre and Film Director, Artistic Director of Dailes Theatre (Latvia)
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.
Venue: Dailes Theatre
18:30-20:25
Performance: The Temple of the Golden Pavilion, dir. Henrijs Arājs
Venue: National Theatre of Latvia, New Hall
19:00- 22:30
Performance: Oracle, dir. Lukašs Tvarkovskis (Łukasz Twarkowski)
Venue: Dailes Theatre, Hall
19:00-20:25
Performance: The Seasons. Faux Pas, dir. Andrejs Jarovojs and Kristīne Brīniņa
Venue: Theatre Ģertrūdes ielas teātris
22:00
Informal Meeting with Colleagues and Latvian Artists
Venue: Galerija Istaba
Address: Krišjāņa Barona Street 31B, Riga, 1011, Latvia
No prior registration is required.
7 November 2025
09:00-21:00
ETC International Theatre Conference: Info Desk
Venue: Dailes Theatre
9:30-10:00
ETC International Theatre Conference: Welcome Address and Keynote Speech
- Richard Sennett - Social Anthropologist (USA)
Venue: Dailes Theatre
10:00-11:30
ETC International Theatre Conference: Stage for Truth. Which Truth? - Panel
- José Manuel Fernández-Arroyo - Deputy Head of Unit of Creative Europe - DG EAC - European Commission
Tomass Pildegovičs - Advisor on Security and Societal Resilience to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Latvia
Viesturs Kairišs - Theatre and Film Director, Artistic Director of Dailes Theatre (Latvia)
Santa Remere - Artistic Director of New Theatre Institute of Latvia and Co-curator of International Festival of Contemporary Theatre Homo Novus
Milo Rau - Artisitc Director of Wiener Festwochen
Sanjay Sethi - Co-Executive Director of Artistic Freedom Initiative
Lotta Lekvall - CEO of Folkteatern Goteborg (Sweden)
Pascal Gielen - Sociologist
Data Tavadze - Director and Choreographer (Georgia)
This panel investigates how theatre grapples with the notion of truth in an age of contested narratives, shifting political landscapes, and cultural complexity. Bringing together artists, directors, researchers, and policy experts from Latvia and across Europe, the discussion will explore how national and European contexts shape the stories told on stage, how artistic freedom intersects with institutional and political pressures, and how audiences interpret and negotiate competing truths. Through case studies, critical perspectives, and lived experiences, the panel will highlight theatre’s role as both a civic space for dialogue and a stage for resistance, where alternative perspectives and fragile trust can be tested, challenged, and reimagined.
Venue: Dailes Theatre
11:30-12:00
Coffee Break
11:30-13:00
ETC International Theatre Conference: Table Talks
- Hosted by members of the ETC Board of Directors
Table Talks #1 - From Season to Reason: Programming With Purpose
Table Talks #2: Strategic Shifts: Theatre's Response to Uncertainty
Venue: Dailes Theatre
13:00-14:30
Lunch Break
13:00-16:30
Performance: The Prodigal Son, dir. Reinis Suhanovs
Venue: Valmiera Drama Theatre, Valmeria, Latvia
10:30 Bus to Valmiera (107km from Riga) with presentation of Baltic projects
14:30-15:15
ETC International Theatre Conference: Behind the Scenes: A Members' Quiz - Networking Exercise
Venue: Dailes Theatre
15:15-15:30
Coffee Break
15:30-16:00
ETC International Theatre Conference: The Road Ahead: Break the Mould in 2025/26
- Hosted by the ETC Team
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.
Venue: Dailes Theatre
16:00-16:30
ETC International Theatre Conference: ETC Theatre Green Book - Attribution Ceremony & Updates
Venue: Dailes Theatre
16:30-17:30
ETC International Theatre Conference: ETC General Assembly (ETC Members only, closed session)
18:30-20:25
Performance: The Blue One, dir. Māra Ķimele
Venue: Valmiera Drama Theatre, New Hall10:30 Bus to Valmiera (107km from Riga) with presentation of Baltic projects
19:00- 22:30
Performance: Oracle, dir. Lukašs Tvarkovskis (Łukasz Twarkowski)
Venue: Dailes Theatre, Hall
19:00
Performance: Accidental Death of an Anarchist, dir. Matīss Kaža
Venue: Dailes Theatre, New Hall
22:00
Informal Meeting with Colleagues and Latvian Artists
Venue: Galerija Istaba
Address: Krišjāņa Barona Street 31B, Riga, 1011, Latvia
No prior registration is required.
8 November 2025
10:00-10:15
ETC International Theatre Conference: Address by Juris Žagars, General Manager of Dailes Theatre
Venue: Dailes Theatre
10:15-10:45
ETC International Theatre Conference: Project Pitching
ETC Member Theatres present concrete project ideas, look for partners and call for artistic collaborations.
Venue: Dailes Theatre
10:45-11:30
ETC International Theatre Conference: Agora
Takeaways from Members.
Venue: Dailes Theatre
11:00-12:20
Performance: Playthings, dir. Kristīne Brīniņa
Venue: Latvia Puppet Theatre
11:30-12:00
Coffee Break
11:45-13:00
ETC International Theatre Conference: Split Sessions
Venue: Dailes Theatre
13:00-14:30
Lunch Break
14:30-16:00
ETC International Theatre Conference: Peer-to-Peer Session
ETC Members and Conference participants discuss issues faced in the everyday working life – ranging from dramaturgy to artistic freedom and safe spaces– with theatre peers from across Europe. Up to four sessions will take place in two rounds, each focused on specific topics. The conversation will be led by ETC Members.
1. Dramaturgs in Dialogue - DoSEL
2. Inside the Fabulamundi Playbook
3. Artisic Freedom Act
4. Safe spaces in Theatre
Venue: Dailes Theatre
15:00-16:15
Performance: Alfas, dir. Valters Sīlis
Venue: Dirty Deal Teatro
16:00-16:30
Coffee Break
16:30-16:45
ETC International Theatre Conference: Key Takeaways from the Peer-to-Peer Learning Sessions
Venue: Dailes Theatre
16:30-17:30
Performance: Contemporary Mask Comedy: The Dreamers, dir. Kārlis Krūmiņš
Venue: Latvian Academy of Culture, Miera iela 58a, Rīga
16:45-17:00
ETC International Theatre Conference: Closing
18:00-22:00
Performance: The Story About Parsifal, dir. Matthias Hartmann
Venue: New Riga Theatre, Big Stage
19:00-21:35
Performance: A Midsummer Night's Dream, dir. Viesturs Kairišs
Venue: Dailes Theatre, Large Hall
20:00-22:30
Joint Dinner at DIA 36.line
Roberta Hirša Street 1, Riga
22:00
Informal Meeting with Colleagues and Latvian Artists
Venue: Galerija Istaba
Address: Krišjāņa Barona Street 31B, Riga, 1011, Latvia
No prior registration is required.
9 November 2025
Morning
Guided tour at the Latvian National Museum of Art
- Maximum number of participants: 25 persons
- Tour time: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- Meeting at 10:30 AM at the main entrance of the Latvian National Museum of Art.
- Address: Jaņa Rozentāla laukums 1, Rīga, LV-1010, Latvija
- Tour duration: 60 minutes. Afterwards, it is possible to explore the entire museum.
- Participation fee: €12. Each participant purchases their ticket individually at the museum ticket office, so we encourage arriving on time.
During the guided tour at the Latvian National Museum of Art, visitors will have the chance to explore some of the museum’s most remarkable artworks, including iconic Latvian paintings, sculptures, and decorative art pieces. The guide will offer in-depth insights into the historical context, artistic movements, and personal stories behind each masterpiece, providing a deeper understanding of Latvia’s rich cultural heritage and artistic legacy.
or
Trip to Jūrmala, Majori
- Maximum number of participants: 27 persons
- Tour time: 11:45 AM–1:45 PM
- Meeting at Dailes Theatre at 10:30 AM.
- Address: Brīvības iela 75, Centra rajons, Rīga, LV-1001
- Participation fee: free of charge. Individual expenses – lunch, coffee.
- Departure to Jūrmala at 10:45 AM
- Free time in Jūrmala: 11:45 AM – 1:45 PM
- 1:45 PM – meeting at the bus
- 2:00 PM – departure back to Riga
- 2:45–3:00 PM – return to Dailes Theatre
If necessary, on the way back the bus can pass through the airport. Please inform us about this at info desk.
Majori is one of the most popular districts of Jūrmala, famous for its picturesque beach, wooden architecture, and vibrant pedestrian street – Jomas Street. Here you can enjoy leisurely walks, visit cozy cafés and restaurants, and explore various cultural and art attractions. Majori offers both relaxation by the sea and the opportunity to experience the historical charm of Jūrmala.
12:00-13:15
Performance: The Fault in Our Shame, dir. Elīza Dombrovska
Venue: Dirty Deal Teatro
13:30-14:30
Performance: Infinite Flow, dir. Liena Šmukste
Venue: Eduards Smiļģis Theatre Museum
15:00-16:50
Performance: King Ubu and Other Monsters, dir. Vladyslav Troyitsky
Venue: National Theatre of Latvia, Large Hall
17:00-18:00
Performance: Infinite Flow, dir. Liena Šmukste
Venue: Eduards Smiļģis Theatre Museum
18:00-20:10
Performance: Father Silence, dir. Valters Sīlis
Venue: Ādažu tautas nams
18:00
Performance: Nachtland, dir. Toms Treinis
Venue: Dailes Theatre, Large Hall
-