The International Alliance of Independent Theatre

The IATL has proudly established The International Alliance of Independent Theatre [IAIT], an ambitious new structure dedicated to strengthening the identity, visibility, and international cooperation of independent performing arts companies, festivals, platforms, and artist groups from all over the world. The IAIT emerges from an overwhelming number of applications, reflecting the vitality of independent companies as well as their need for a common framework.

This moment coincides with a historic milestone for independent theatre: the official opening of Grivita 53, the first entirely new theatre built in Romania in the last decades. Born out of a profound belief in the transformative power of the arts, standing as a symbol of both private initiative and collective vision, Grivita 53 is the home of the alliance.

The IAIT founding members are leading institutions such as Festival OFF Avignon (France), a cornerstone of independent creation; Kampnagel (Germany), Europe’s largest platform for independent performance; and Adelaide Fringe’s Honey Pot Marketplace (Australia), a dynamic hub for global artistic exchange – to name but three of them. Equally inspiring is the presence of visionary companies shaping the future of independent theatre: Aérea Teatro (Argentina), Wortwiege Festival for Theatre Forms (Austria), Theatre Above – Shanghai’s Creative Theatre Hub (China), Theatre Ronin (Hong Kong), Teatro Persona (Italy), Flute Theatre (UK), Iran Saye Theatre Group (Iran), Abrahamse & Meyer Productions (South Africa), and Namstrops (Japan), amongst many others from all continents.

Discover all the members of the new alliance, their stories, and find out how you can be involved in their projects on the IATL official website, throughout the first part of 2026.

Photo: Festival OFF Avignon, Thomas O’Brien