Chisinau is hosting the International Festival of Theatre and Film Schools, “ClassFest Acting LAB 2026,” from November 9 to 14. This year’s edition is dedicated to the works of William Shakespeare. The event brings together students, teachers and representatives of arts education institutions from Moldova and five other countries, IPN reports.

The festival programme features performances by undergraduate, master’s and doctoral students, as well as graduates of the Academy of Music, Theatre and Fine Arts, alongside discussions and theatrical experiments. Representatives of arts education institutions from Poland, Italy, France, Romania and Ukraine are taking part in the event.

At the opening of the festival, Pavel Gamurari, First Vice-Rector of AMTAP, highlighted the event’s contribution to the development of successive generations of students, teachers, actors and directors over its 15 editions. He noted that the festival had helped forge ties between the Academy’s students and faculty and their counterparts at theatre schools in other countries.

The festival’s director, Svetlana Tirtau, expressed her hope that this year’s edition would provide a space for excellence and creativity. She also highlighted the role of the participants, mentors, organizing team, and partners in bringing the festival to life.

Marcela Nistor, State Secretary at the Ministry of Culture, noted that ClassFest offers an important opportunity to promote art and creativity. She wished the participants rewarding experiences and encouraged them to create and experiment.

Monica Babuc, director of the “Mihai Eminescu” Romanian Cultural Institute in Chișinău, said that the institution she represents has supported the festival for twelve editions. In her view, ClassFest embodies the vibrant energy of youth, creativity and inspiration in the theatre arts.