by Maria Poiată, photo: Maria Ștefănescu
The opening of the 13th edition of the BABEL International Performing Arts Festival in Târgoviște once again transformed the city into a cultural landmark of Romania — a place where theatre extends beyond conventional spaces, reaching into public squares and streets, wherever everyday life unfolds. The festival is not just a series of unique performances, but a vital encounter between cultures separated by thousands of kilometers. It provides a rare opportunity where theatre becomes a space of genuine interaction — human and artistic — between very different cultures. Here, empathy is cultivated, real dialogue is born, and deep understanding is built beyond borders.
This year’s theme — „SPACE” — is far more than an aesthetic choice.
The director of the “Tony Bulandra” Theatre and president of the BABEL Festival emphasized the complexity and power of space in theatre. As he pointed out, the first and most important space is the inner space — the place where we meet ourselves in solitude, from which true communication arises. The other types of spaces mentioned — religious, ritual, or military — are merely extensions of this inner realm.
The opening moment featured several short but meaningful interventions from members of the festival’s organizing team.
Dieter Topp, journalist and representative of the European Cultural Forum, said that a year without BABEL would be unimaginable. He highlighted the deep meaning of this edition’s theme — space — as a territory of freedom, diversity, and transformation.
His remarkable idea that “space is the place where the smallest common denominator can become something great” resonated powerfully.
Topp encouraged the audience to fill this generous space with presence, openness, and joy.
Scott Johnston, theatre director, former professor at the University of Theatre in Edinburgh, and a long-time friend of the festival, spoke about theatre as a way to understand the world around us and the importance of being together in a time when conflict seems to be the constant backdrop of our lives.
He pointed out the abundance of Shakespeare plays in this year’s program and recalled two very fitting quotes for the opening: “The play’s the thing” and “Madness in great ones must not unwatched go.”
Scott Johnston said the festival is a testament to imagination.
In closing, he offered a simple yet powerful invitation: “Let’s keep dreaming, creating, and inspiring one another!”
Jeung-Woo Son, President of the Korea Theatre Association, returned once again to Târgoviște and reminded everyone that in theatre, space is not limited to physical configuration; it is where thoughts, emotions, and relationships come to life.
The mayor of Târgoviște, Cristian Daniel Stan, was also present and emphasized the role of this event in building a strong cultural identity for the city, which more and more is becoming a place that breathes through theatre.
As part of the opening, the audience could also admire an exhibition of stage design models created by students from the Scenography Department of UNATC Bucharest — a clear sign that the festival is a driving force for the future, supporting the education and development of young artists.
This year, the festival brings together artists from over 30 countries, in 15 different locations throughout the city — from traditional venues to alternative spaces, public squares, and unconventional sites.
Over the course of a week, more than 70 events will take place in 5 main venues, expecting over 5,000 daily spectators, artists, and theatre professionals.
The BABEL Festival is not just an event — it is a state of mind.
It is an invitation to inhabit space with empathy and curiosity, to be present, to listen, and to rejoice.