Pandemic times were and remain a test of we can do without in our lives. Without culture, school, travel, family, money, health… And for how long: a month, two, a year… We are slowly trying to come back. As they say: to normal. But the parameters of ‘normal’ have changed even while we haven’t noticed it. The return will not be easy. Nonetheless, we are trying.
Just like nothing stops bread or car production, similarly, we cannot stop the creation of books, films, music, paintings and works of theatre. It is our job, our service to you. Your spiritual nourishment and opportunity to transcend the everyday. This is why we, having mustered all our strength and imagination, are preparing the 30. International Theatre Festival Divadelná Nitra, fittingly titled t r a n s c e n d e n c i e s.
It is our great honour that the festival will be held under the auspices of the President of Slovak Republic Zuzana Čaputová. And, as is now usual, also the Chairman of the Nitra Self-Governing Region Milan Belica and Mayor of Nitra Marek Hattas. That is no doubt encouraging. Divadelná Nitra must go on. Much like other international festivals, which are among the basic cultural gear of a developed society.
We are planning for several crisis variants so that the festival might take place even if stricter epidemic measures come into effect. Trying to figure out how we can remain a platform for art and connection with the outside world even in a time of crisis is our daily bread. Last year, the effort paid off.
But we will not do without you – our spectators, visitors and guests. This is our invitation. Please, get your vaccines, life will be much easier for you. And please, come. From 1 to 6 October. We have a stock of interesting programme – live performances by theatre companies hailing from across the country, Bratislava to Košice; foreign productions screened in the main hall, just to be sure, but in live conversation with the authors. And a variety of accompanying events in the city square and elsewhere – both for children and adults: theatre performances, concerts, stand-ups, exhibitions, debates. You will be most welcome. And we can but hope we’ll pull it off this year, too.
Darina Kárová, Director of ITF DN
photo: Collavino