“Theatre Is an Escape”: Greek Artists at the Centre of Sirenos Festival 2026
2026 June 8
Vilnius International Theatre Festival Sirenos presents its 2026 programme, centred around the theme “Theatre Is an Escape”, which explores theatre’s ability to draw us away, even if only for a moment, from the noise of everyday life, the relentless flow of news, and the brutality of the world around us.
“We live in a time when wars, misinformation, conspiracy theories, and a constant stream of bad news have become part of everyday life. When reality becomes apocalyptically unbearable, many of us seek refuge in art. Theatre is unique because we experience it collectively – together we search for like-minded people and worlds we can escape into for an hour or two, returning perhaps slightly transformed,” says Kristė Agota Savė, Artistic Director of Sirenos.
In its 2025–2027 artistic vision, the festival examines how contemporary theatre reflects anxieties surrounding the end of the world – whether it protects us from them like a weapon, or allows us to escape into artistic worlds. This year’s theme invites audiences to see theatre as an escape from destruction, war, a reality marked by disaster, and apocalyptic fears.
“Driven by these apocalyptic anxieties, we turned to the etymology of the word itself,” says the festival’s Artistic Director. “And it led us to Greece.”
In Ancient Greek, the word apokalypsis means not the end of the world, but revelation, unveiling, or disclosure. This year, in collaboration with Onassis Stegi, one of Greece’s leading performing arts organisations, the festival will present three outstanding productions from Greece. These works explore, from different perspectives, how apocalyptic anxieties and attempts to escape them are reflected in contemporary Greek theatre.
The programme includes “MAMI” by Mario Banushi, “The House” by Dimitris Karantzas, and “IT’S THE END OF THE AMUSEMENT PHASE” by Chara Kotsali. Together, they offer distinct perspectives on artistic worlds governed by their own rules and realities.
“MAMI” | (c) Mario Banushi
One of the festival’s most anticipated guests is Greek-Albanian director Mario Banushi. At just 26 years old, he has already received the Silver Lion at the Venice Biennale and the New Theatre Creator Award from the Greek Theatre Critics Association, while his work has been presented at some of Europe’s most prestigious festivals. His latest production, “MAMI”, which was presented in the main programme of the Avignon Festival last year, will be shown on 2 and 3 October at the Main Stage of the Lithuanian National Drama Theatre. Drawing on personal memories, dreams, and folkloric imagery, Banushi creates a unique theatrical world in which words give way to images, sounds, and emotions.
“IT’S THE END OF THE AMUSEMENT PHASE” | (c) Pinelopi Gerasimou
On 5 October, the festival will present choreographer Chara Kotsali’s performance “IT’S THE END OF THE AMUSEMENT PHASE” at the Black Hall of Arts Printing House. In this energetic and hypnotic dance piece, three performers embark on an endless movement marathon that mirrors a world in which people constantly rush, seek entertainment, burn out, and repeat the same historical mistakes. Filled with humour, irony, and righteous anger, the work asks whether we still know where we are heading and whether we are capable of stopping.
“The House” | (c) Andreas Simopoulos
On 8 October, Sirenos will present “The House” by Greek director Dimitris Karantzas at the Black Hall of Arts Printing House. The performance follows two characters who retreat into the routines of everyday life and attempt to ignore the world beyond the walls of their home. Yet reality inevitably seeps in, reminding them that there is no true escape from it. Through the language of visual theatre, the work explores violence, dependence on images, and the fragility of illusion.
“The Trap” | (c) Mauricio Saldana
The festival also continues its commitment to supporting Ukrainian artists. This year, the international programme will open on 1 October at MO Museum with “The Trap”, a performance by Ukrainian choreographer Rita Lira. Presented free of charge in a public urban space, the work brings together dance, theatre, architecture, and visual poetry.
Sirenos will continue its collaboration with the Ukrainian Institute, extending beyond the presentation of “The Trap” to include a professional development programme for emerging Ukrainian performing arts producers. In addition, for the first time, Lithuania will welcome a delegation of eight theatre-makers and producers from the United States through The Drama League, who will participate in meetings, workshops, and discussions with the Lithuanian performing arts community.
The festival will also host the second Lithuanian Performing Arts Platform. Taking place from 23–27 September, the platform will bring together representatives of international festivals, theatres, and performing arts organisations to discover the most exciting works by Lithuanian artists and develop new international collaborations. The five-day programme will include performances, project presentations, pitch sessions, co-production exchanges, and networking events. Audiences can also look forward to the traditional Festival Club programme, artist talks, and discussions.
Tickets are available via bilietai.lt.
The festival is funded by the Lithuanian Council for Culture
Supported by the Vilnius City Municipality
Organized by: Lithuanian Theatre Centre
