U.talk 2026

The first day of U.talk opened with an intervention by Constantin Chiriac, President of FITS, who emphasised the importance of generosity and involvement in the cultural field. He spoke about the need to build bridges between generations, create real opportunities for young artists, and develop platforms capable of supporting the growth, recognition, and promotion of new generations in the cultural sphere.

Elizabeth Doud (Florida State University) spoke about the ways in which the performing arts can address climate change, and about how art is able to create languages and forms of expression for concepts and experiences that cannot yet be fully described in words.

Amanda Whiteley (National University of Theatre and Film “I.L. Caragiale” – Bucharest) explored the concept of “domestic and intimate terror” in Harold Pinter’s Betrayal, analysing the subtle mechanisms through which tension and conflict develop within personal relationships.

Matei Ioachimescu (West University of Timișoara) demonstrated how a flute recital can find its place within a theatre festival, highlighting the fertile dialogue between music and the performing arts through Inspired flutes.

Iustinian Turcu (Lucian Blaga University of Sibiu) spoke about his experience with Kabuki theatre, both from the perspective of the role he performs in The Scarlet Princess and in relation to the working process with the students involved in the production Behind the Mask.

Nikki Woods and Mole Wetherell (University of Salford) offered an in-depth perspective on Am I Right? Am I Wrong?, revealing the stages of the creative process and the challenges encountered in developing the production.

Mazen El-Gharabawy (Arabic Theatre Production Association) analysed how the feminist themes in Announced Suicide are received by European audiences in comparison with Egyptian audiences, highlighting cultural differences and shifts in perspective.

Robert Prior (California State University, Long Beach) explored the complexity of building a completely new vision of a canonical text such as The Seagull, discussing the artistic process behind Stupid F***king Bird.

Ioana Dajbog (Babeș-Bolyai University) spoke about her journey as an emerging artist who combines playwriting, acting, and directing, while also introducing us to the creative universe of Abuzarea scenei. Her colleague, Andrei Han (Babeș-Bolyai University), complemented this look behind the scenes of the production, underlining the importance of creating relevant performances capable of generating real change in society.

Alexandru Malaicu (Lucian Blaga University of Sibiu) presented his doctoral research, focusing on the relationship between the theatrical phenomenon and the social context, as well as on an in-depth analysis of the concept of “crisis”.

Professor Mihai Fusu (Academy of Music, Theatre and Fine Arts, Chișinău) shared insights from a career spanning several decades dedicated to theatre, and announced a future collaboration with Lucian Blaga University of Sibiu.

Mohamed Kasban and Kenza Fergag (Sharjah Performing Arts Academy) spoke about the creative process behind Fragments, the contemporary themes it addresses, and the way they imagined it was received by Romanian audiences.

Delia Neculau (Lucian Blaga University of Sibiu & University of Arts Târgu Mureș) presented the journey that led to the creation of Eurokids, explaining how the performance manages to create an authentic dialogue with both younger and more mature generations.

The fifth day of U.talk opened with the ceremony awarding the Diploma of Excellence and the honorary title of “Lifelong Learning Visionary Education Ambassador” to Constantin Chiriac, President of the Sibiu International Theatre Festival and General Director of the Radu Stanca National Theatre Sibiu. The distinction was presented by Professor Sever Avram, General Coordinator of the International Honorary Chair “Jean Bart”.

Oana Leahu (University of Arts Târgu Mureș) then spoke about the importance of understanding education as a two-way process, in which teachers and students learn from one another and contribute together to building a dynamic academic environment.

Director Cristian Ban, professor at the same university, presented the Master’s programme in directing that he coordinates, as well as the working methods developed together with the students, emphasising the importance of identifying texts and forms of expression that bring out the potential of each artist.

Julia Lupașcu introduced us to the creative process behind The Physical Impossibility of Death in the Mind of Someone Living, addressing with sensitivity and honesty the central themes of the production and the artistic mechanisms that shaped it.

To conclude, Ion M. Tomuș and Florentin Streche (Regal Literar) engaged in a dialogue about the role and relevance of immediate-response criticism in contemporary cultural journalism, discussing the challenges and responsibilities associated with this form of critical reflection.