“Radu Stanca” National Theatre Sibiu at the Sharm El Sheikh International Theatre Festival for Youth

Cultural project funded by the Ministry of Culture

“Radu Stanca” National Theatre Sibiu will take part in the 11th edition of the Sharm El Sheikh International Theatre Festival for Youth (SITFY), held in Egypt from 1 to 5 November 2026, with Romania as Guest of Honour. Under the artistic coordination of Constantin Chiriac, the Romanian programme includes performances, concerts, a masterclass, workshops and professional meetings. Diana Lazăr, an actress at the Sibiu National Theatre, is among the international theatre figures honoured at this edition and will receive an award during the opening ceremony on 1 November.

SITFY provides a platform for young theatre-makers from around the world to meet and exchange experiences, particularly those from theatre schools, universities and performing arts training centres. Through performances, workshops, conferences and related events, the festival places new generations of artists at the heart of its programme, encouraging intercultural dialogue and engagement with audiences in Sharm el-Sheikh and beyond.

The festival is organised by the Egyptian Theater Club Association for Culture and Arts, in collaboration with the Egyptian Ministry of Culture and the South Sinai Governorate. Its founder and president is Mazen El-Gharabawy.

The Romanian Participation Programme

On 1 November, the festival opening will include the presentation of an award to actress Diana Lazăr and a concert by the Iza Group.

On 2 November, Constantin Chiriac, General Director of “Radu Stanca” National Theatre Sibiu and President of the Sibiu International Theatre Festival, will lead a masterclass. The opening of the SYFT Open Market will take place on the same day, between 12:00 and 14:00. Andrada Oltean will lead a workshop on 2, 3 and 4 November.

“Puzzle”, directed by Ianoș Petrașcu, will be performed on 3 November at 17:30 at the Sharm el-Sheikh Culture Palace.

On 4 November, the programme will include the “Romanian Theatre Celebration Panel”, dedicated to Romanian theatre, as well as a screening of “Dincolo de uitare” by Cosmin Stănilă, from 12:00 to 13:30.

On 5 November at 19:30, the Iza Group will give a second concert, bringing traditional Romanian music to an international audience.

This year’s participation by the Sibiu National Theatre builds on the ties established with the Sharm el-Sheikh festival at previous editions. In 2018, the General Director of “Radu Stanca” National Theatre Sibiu chaired the international jury of the third edition, and in 2024 he was named Honorary Personality of the festival’s ninth edition.