Event Dates: 5-9 November 2025
Organizer: European Theatre Convention (ETC)
Read more here.
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From 5 to 9 November 2025, hundreds of European theatre leaders will gather in Riga for the European Theatre Convention (ETC)’s International Theatre Conference, under the title “Stage for Truth. Which Truth?”
Taking place at Dailes Theatre as Europe faces renewed political tension, social polarisation and cuts to cultural budgets, this year’s conference will gather artistic leaders, policymakers and thinkers from the ETC network of 75+ theatres in 33 countries.
The week of activity also includes the Final STAGES Forum—the closing event of the Sustainable Theatre Alliance for a Green Environmental Shift (STAGES) project, co-funded by the European Union, which has been organised in partnership with Riga Technical University. Attendees will see performances during the Latvian Theatre Showcase, celebrating the country’s vibrant contemporary scene.
In this context, attendees will reflect on the role for European theatres in understanding and addressing the conflicting ‘truths’ across society, such as:
- Nationalism is a reasonable agenda VS nationalism is dangerous and divisive
- Artistic freedom is an inalienable right VS artists must serve the national interest
- Theatres are a centre for resilience and social cohesion VS theatre is an altar of elite talent
- There is good propaganda VS There is only bad propaganda
Similarly, as crisis becomes the defining logic in society, how can theatres remain open, inclusive and sustainable? And how can theatres respond to ‘hybrid warfare’, in which bad faith actors seek to aggravate public opinion on key social issues?
The ETC conference will feature a keynote panel, “Stage for Truth. Which Truth?” to investigate how theatre grapples with the notion of truth in an age of contested narratives and cultural complexity. Speakers include professionals from the theatre world. The main debate will be complemented be sessions such as Table Talks on strategic programming and institutional resilience, as well as Peer-to-Peer Sessions led by ETC Member Theatres, offering practical exchanges on topics including dramaturgy, safe spaces, and artistic freedom.
During the sessions on sustainability, the European Theatre Convention will present a new publication: “STAGES Sustainable Theatre – A Casebook” — a landmark publication of 21 articles sharing insights from project partners across Europe. Divided into three sections—Sustainable Productions, Sustainable Transformations, and Sustainable Futures —the Casebook offers diverse perspectives on implementing sustainability in theatre-making and institutional change.
Speaking about the conference and STAGES Forum, Heidi Wiley, Executive Director of the European Theatre Convention, commented:
“We live in times of disruption and transformation, when political acts unfold with theatrical force and truth itself is often performed rather than debated. Yet rather than retreating from this reality, theatre asserts its place at the centre of public life. This ETC Conference is a call to courage – for theatres to reclaim their role as places where empathy and complexity can coexist, where Europe’s shared future can still be staged, and where we can inspire the new generation of European theatre-makers to act responsibly for our planet and our communities.”
For more information about this year's event, please visit ETC's official website here.
About the European Theatre Convention (ETC)
The European Theatre Convention (ETC) is Europe’s largest network of public theatres, representing over 75+ members in more than 30 countries. Founded in 1988, ETC promotes artistic exchange, professional development, and theatre’s social and environmental responsibility. Through international collaborations and EU-funded projects, ETC supports theatres in adapting to the challenges of the 21st century, from sustainability to digital transformation.
About Dailes Theatre
Dailes Theatre is one of Latvia’s leading performing arts institutions and a symbol of modern Latvian theatre. Founded in 1920, it has been at the forefront of artistic experimentation, blending tradition with innovation. Housed in an iconic modernist building in Riga, Dailes Theatre continues to champion bold artistic visions and contemporary values, engaging diverse audiences through thought-provoking productions and cultural collaboration.
