IFESZT, the Interethnic Theatre Festival, is one of the most important gatherings of minority theatres in Romania. Held every two years in a different Transylvanian city, the festival creates opportunities for professional and community dialogue. It aims to offer an overview of the work of minority theatres and companies in Romania, while providing space for encounters, the exchange of experiences and mutual understanding.

In 2026, the Szigligeti Theatre in Oradea will once again host IFESZT’s 12th edition. The theatre last hosted the festival in 2012.

The 12-day programme features productions by Hungarian theatres from Transylvania alongside performances by other minority theatre companies from Romania. The invited productions reflect the diversity of contemporary theatre, ranging from plays and musical performances to experiments in movement and theatrical expression.

IFESZT is more than a series of performances. Daily professional discussions, meetings with audiences and accompanying events give artists, critics, theatre professionals and spectators an opportunity to reflect together on the questions facing minority theatres today and on the role theatre can play in bringing different languages and cultures together.

Twelve days, numerous companies and performances, shared stories and distinct theatrical languages: in November 2026, Oradea will once again become a meeting place for Romania’s minority theatres. We look forward to welcoming you!

The main sponsor of the 12th edition of IFESZT is the Department for Interethnic Relations.