Event Details
The World's Largest Shakespeare Festival in Craiova, Romania
The Craiova International Shakespeare Festival is the world's largest festival dedicated to a single playwright, transforming the Romanian city of Craiova into a global stage every two years. The 2026 edition runs from 21 to 31 May 2026 under the theme "WILL matters", featuring more than 450 events across 60+ venues: theatre halls, city squares, parks, and unconventional spaces throughout the city and surrounding metropolitan area. Founded in 1994, the festival has grown over three decades into one of the most significant cultural events in Eastern Europe.
Highlights
- 450+ events across 60+ venues over 11 festival days
- World record holder: officially the world's largest Shakespeare festival (confirmed by the World Record Academy)
- Shakespeare Core: official selection of international theatre productions from 30+ countries
- Shakespeare Village in Nicolae Romanescu Park: open-air stage with concerts and performances
- Shakespeare Squares: free outdoor performances on four central city squares
- World Congress of the International Association of Theatre Critics held concurrently
- Landmark partnership with OFF Avignon bringing productions from France, Kazakhstan, Italy and beyond
- Free admission on opening day, 21 May
Program & Sections
The festival is structured into distinct sections, offering a complete cultural experience for all audiences:
- Shakespeare Core: The official indoor selection featuring landmark productions by leading international directors. Highlights include "Titus Andronicus: Reborn" (dir. Ryunosuke Kimura, KAKUSHINHAN), "King Lear" by Silviu Purcărete, and "The Tiger Lillies in a Macbeth Song" with Spanish company La Perla 29. Declan Donnellan returns with "Two Gentlemen of Verona" co-produced by Cheek by Jowl.
- Shakespeare Village: The vibrant heart of the festival, located at the Craiova racetrack within Nicolae Romanescu Park; open daily with a Day Pass or Multi-Day Pass.
- Shakespeare Squares: Free open-air performances on four squares in the city centre.
- Shakespeare Metropolitan: Theatre taken into Craiova's neighbourhoods and surrounding communities.
- Shakespeare University: Student productions from theatre academies worldwide, in partnership with UNATC Bucharest.
- Shakespeare Kids & Teen: Dedicated programme sections for children, families and young audiences.
- Shakespeare Movies: Screenings of celebrated Shakespeare films and contemporary adaptations.
- Academics & More: Conferences, book launches, artist talks, and the IATC World Congress.
Tickets
Tickets for Shakespeare Core indoor performances are available via the official ticket shop at shakespearefestival.online, through Entertix.ro, and at the box office of the National Theatre "Marin Sorescu". Access to Shakespeare Village is available with the following pass options:
- Day Pass (for each individual day from 22 to 31 May)
- Multi-Day Pass Weekend 1 (22–24 May)
- Multi-Day Pass Weekend 2 (29–31 May)
- Multi-Day Pass Weekdays (25–28 May)
- Full Pass (22–31 May)
Opening day, 21 May, is free of charge, including the open-air Gezan concert and a drone show by FLYSTACK featuring over 450 drones. Many events in Shakespeare Squares, Metropolitan, Kids and Teen sections are also free to attend.
History & Recognition
Founded in 1994, the festival initially ran every three years before switching to a biennial format in 2006. Over three decades it has presented artists from more than 70 countries and hosted legendary directors including Peter Brook, Robert Wilson, Declan Donnellan, Lev Dodin and Thomas Ostermeier. The festival holds a World Record, recognised by the World Record Academy following the 2024 edition. It has received UNESCO recognition and the UNITER Prize for Excellence, Romania's highest theatre honour. Forbes has described it as the world's largest international festival dedicated to a single playwright.
Visitor Tips
- Book accommodation well in advance; Craiova hotels fill up quickly during the festival.
- Craiova is reachable from Bucharest by train in approximately 2 hours.
- Shakespeare Village is located in Nicolae Romanescu Park; shuttle transport from the city centre is recommended.
- Many events take place outdoors; bring comfortable footwear and layers for variable May weather.
- The full programme and ticket availability are updated at shakespearefestival.online.
- Opening day on 21 May offers free access and is an ideal introduction to the festival atmosphere.
