39th International Theatrical Festival “VALISE”
Apply by 15 January 2026 - A Call to Theatres and Artists Worldwide
39th International Theatrical Festival “VALISE”
Theatre – Bridges of Understanding
25 – 28 June 2026 | Łomża, Poland
A Call to Theatres and Artists Worldwide — Apply by 15 January 2026
An Invitation from Our Friends in Poland
British UNIMA is delighted to share an invitation from our colleagues at Teatr Lalki i Aktora in Łomża, Poland, to participate in the 39th International Theatrical Festival “VALISE” — one of Europe’s most respected celebrations of form and puppet theatre.
For nearly four decades, VALISE has brought together artists from over 50 countries — including the United States, Japan, Argentina, New Zealand, and many across Europe — to explore the art of theatre as a universal language of connection and creativity.
This year’s theme, “Theatre – Bridges of Understanding,” honours the power of performance to unite cultures, build empathy, and spark dialogue beyond words.
View the 2025 trailer below
About the Festival
Hosted by the Puppet and Actor Theatre (Teatr Lalki i Aktora) in Łomża, the Festival presents both competitive and non-competitive open-air programmes, offering opportunities for artists and audiences alike to engage with innovative, form-based theatre.
🎭 Competition Programme: 12–14 theatre companies selected from around the world
🌆 Open-Air Programme “My City”: 8 ensembles transforming public spaces through performance
🌐 Focus: Puppet theatre, visual theatre, form-based and interdisciplinary performance
The Festival encourages work that is innovative, exploratory, and rich in theatrical aesthetics, staying true to tradition while embracing new artistic frontiers.
🗓️ Important Dates
Application Deadline15 January 2026
Event Date Festival Dates 25 – 28 June 2026
📬 Call for Applications
All professional and non-institutional theatres, as well as drama school students, are invited to apply.
