Highlights of the 2025 IFTR Annual Conference
The International Federation of Theatre Research (IFTR) kicked off its 2025 Annual Conference in Cologne, Germany, from 9‑13 June. The event drew scholars, directors, and practitioners from over 30 countries to explore contemporary issues in theatre production and theory. A central theme, “Performing Carnival: Ekstasis, Subversion, Metamorphosis,” set the tone for a week of lectures, panels, and live performances that interrogated how carnival traditions shape and are reshaped by social forces.
University of Malta Representation
Prof. Vicki‑Ann Cremona, a leading figure in the Theatre Studies Department of the School of Performing Arts at the University of Malta, was selected to give the opening keynote. Her talk, titled Carnival and Beyond: Power Structures, Control and Resistance, was lauded for its thorough historical sweep and contemporary relevance. The University of Malta highlighted its strong research profile in post‑colonial theatrical studies, positioning itself as a hub for critical theatre scholarship in the Mediterranean.
Key Messages from the Keynote Speech
Prof. Cremona’s presentation traced the evolution of carnival across continents:
- Historical Roots – From medieval European masquerades to the street‑performance rituals of Caribbean and African societies.
- Colonial Adaptation – How colonial administrations re‑framed local festivities to assert dominance, and how communities subverted these constraints.
- Post‑Colonial Resurgence – Modern carnival as a space for contestation, identity politics, and cultural hybridity.
The professor argued that “carnival, in its most abstract sense, is a mirror of power relations.” She illustrated this with concrete case studies: the Trinidad Carnival’s economic gentrification, the São Paulo samba schools’ community politics, and the recent “Cannes Canary” protests in Guadeloupe. Each example showed the dual capacity of carnival to reinforce and challenge social hierarchies.
Implications for Theatre Practitioners and Scholars
For practitioners, the keynote offered a framework to interrogate how audience participation can be leveraged to surface subversive themes while staying true to community narratives. Scholars were encouraged to:
- Re‑examine the gloss of “carnivalesque” as a blanket term, dissecting how the term is applied differently across contexts.
- Explore interdisciplinary collaborations—linking anthropology, post‑colonial studies, and performance theory to generate more nuanced research.
- Consider how digital platforms can extend the reach of carnival rituals while potentially diluting their immediacy.
Academic Partnerships Highlighted at the Conference
The conference also featured a series of discussions on how universities can support the next generation of theatre scholars. For instance, the University of Malta announced a Memorandum of Understanding with the National Archives of Malta to archive local performance histories. This collaboration ensures a richer, more accessible archive for future research projects and student theses.
Workshops and Future Opportunities
Beyond the keynote, contributors to the conference were given opportunities to engage in hands‑on workshops. Workshops such as “Designing Entre‑Cultural Festival Programming” and “The Digital Mobilisation of Carnivalesque” offered participants tools to translate theoretical insights into practice.
Those interested in deeper engagement can look forward to the University of Malta’s upcoming International Theatre Study Programme. The programme offers visiting scholars a chance to work alongside local practitioners and study the dynamics of carnival traditions in the Maltese context.
Your Next Steps as a Theatre Professional or Student
Whether you are planning a research project, preparing a production, or simply expanding your academic network, the insights from IFTR 2025 provide actionable guidance. To explore these opportunities further, consider the following:
- Apply to join the University of Malta’s International Theatre Study Programme and contribute to cross‑cultural research projects.
- Submit a proposal for a performance exhibition that interrogates the role of carnival in your local community.
- Attend projected future IFTR conferences by registering early and exploring early‑bird discounts.
- Download the conference proceedings available on the IFTR website to access full research papers and recommended reading lists.
Engaging with these resources not only enhances your professional profile but also contributes to a broader understanding of how carnival traditions can act as catalysts for social change.
Take Action: Expand Your Knowledge and Network
For theatre students looking to deepen their research, the University of Malta offers a robust selection of courses, scholarships, and networking events. Take advantage of these by visiting the study page to see current offerings and deadlines.
If you’re an established practitioner seeking fresh inspiration, consider proposing a joint project with one of the highlighted universities. Collaborative ventures can open up funding opportunities through European cultural funds and local grants.
Finally, never underestimate the power of a well‑curated portfolio. Share your work—whether a written thesis, a recorded performance, or a community‑driven event—on professional platforms such as IFTR’s digital archive or academic social networks to attract peers and mentors worldwide.
Visiting events such as the IFTR 2025 conference or university‑hosted workshops provides a wealth of insights that can elevate your craft. Embrace the opportunity to learn, showcase, and influence the evolving dialogue around carnival, control, and cultural resistance.
