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Roma Theatre

The Roma people are a traditionally nomadic ethnic group living mostly in Europe. Learn more about their rich artistic tradition and exciting contemporary work through the Journal series Roma Theatre in Europe, or watch work from the Roma Theatre Retrospective 2020.

The Latest

When Theatre Will Become Fully Itself: Digital Supratheatre and the Fight for an Inclusive Future
Essay
When Theatre Will Become Fully Itself: Digital Supratheatre and the Fight for an Inclusive Future
Translated by Cecilia Laslo
by Mihaela Drăgan
25 May 2021
Corp Urban by Giuvlipen
Video
Corp Urban by Giuvlipen
Performance followed by a panel discussion
Monday 22 March 2021
United Kingdom
Artists Conversations from the 4th Roma Heroes International Theater Festival
Video
Artists Conversations from the 4th Roma Heroes International Theater Festival
Several of this year's festival artists discussing their work in Roma theatre.
Monday 19 October 2020
Budapest, Hungary
Illustration by Silent Fox, inspired by the essay.
When Theatre Will Become Fully Itself: Digital Supratheatre and the Fight for an Inclusive Future
Essay

When Theatre Will Become Fully Itself: Digital Supratheatre and the Fight for an Inclusive Future

Translated by Cecilia Laslo

25 May 2021

Mihaela Drăgan introduces digital supratheatre—a theatre of the future with two underlying principles: technological change and social change.

Glod: Political Theatre as a Civil Right event poster.
Corp Urban by Giuvlipen
bezna theatre black text
BÉZNĂ Theatre
Video

Corp Urban by Giuvlipen

Performance followed by a panel discussion

Monday 22 March 2021
United Kingdom

Glod: Political Theatre as a Civil Right presented Corp Urban by Giuvlipen livestreaming on the global, commons-based, peer produced HowlRound TV network at howlround.tv on Monday 22 March at 11 a.m. PDT (San Francisco, UTC -7) / 2 p.m. EDT (New York, UTC -4) / 6 p.m. GMT (London, UTC +0) / 20:00 EET (Cluj, UTC +2).

person in a bed, holding a book.
The Roma from the Duvet or Enter the Majority (Slovakia)
Independent Theater Hungary logo.
Independent Theater Hungary
Video

The Roma from the Duvet or Enter the Majority (Slovakia)

As part of the Roma Theatre Retrospective 2020

Tuesday 27 October 2020
Slovakia

Independent Theater Hungary presented a performance and conversation around The Roma from the Duvet or Enter the Majority (Slovakia) as part of the Roma Theatre Retrospective 2020 livestreamed on the global, commons-based, peer produced HowlRound TV network at howlround.tv on Tuesday 27 October 2020 at 9:30 a.m. PDT (San Francisco, UTC -7) / 12:30 p.m. EDT (New York, UTC -4) / 16:30 GMT (London, UTC +0) / 17:30 CEST (Budapest, UTC +1) / 18:30 EET (Bucharest, UTC +2).

Roma Heroes Festival poster.
Artists Conversations from the 4th Roma Heroes International Theater Festival
Independent Theater Hungary logo.
Independent Theater Hungary
Video

Artists Conversations from the 4th Roma Heroes International Theater Festival

Several of this year's festival artists discussing their work in Roma theatre.

Monday 19 October 2020
Budapest, Hungary

Independent Theater Hungary presented a conversation with several of the 4th Roma Heroes International Theater Festival artists livestreaming on the global, commons-based peer produced HowlRound TV network at howlround.tv Monday 19 October at 11:30 a.m. PDT (Los Angeles, UTC -7) / 2:30 p.m. EDT (New York, UTC -4) / 19:30 BST (London, UTC +1) / 20:30 CEST (Budapest, UTC +2) / 21:30 EEST (Bucharest, UTC +3).

Who killed Szomna Grancsa? (Romania)
Independent Theater Hungary logo.
Independent Theater Hungary
Video

Who killed Szomna Grancsa? (Romania)

As part of the Roma Theatre Retrospective 2020

Tuesday 13 October 2020
Romania

Independent Theater Hungary presented a performance and conversation around Who killed Szomna Grancsa? (Romania) as part of the Roma Theatre Retrospective 2020 livestreamed on the global, commons-based, peer produced HowlRound TV network at howlround.tv on Tuesday 13 October 2020 at 9:30 a.m. PDT (San Francisco, UTC -7) / 12:30 p.m. EDT (New York, UTC -4) / 17:30 BST (London, UTC +1) / 18:30 CEST (Budapest, UTC +2) / 19:30 EEST (Bucharest, UTC +3).

actor on stage
A conversation around Del Duma (Romania)
Independent Theater Hungary logo.
Independent Theater Hungary
Video

A conversation around Del Duma (Romania)

As part of the Roma Theatre Retrospective 2020

Monday 12 October 2020
Romania

Independent Theater Hungary presented a performance and conversation around Del Duma (Romania) as part of the Roma Theatre Retrospective 2020 livestreamed on the global, commons-based, peer produced HowlRound TV network at howlround.tv on Monday 12 October 2020 at 9:30 a.m. PDT (San Francisco, UTC -7) / 12:30 p.m. EDT (New York, UTC -4) / 17:30 BST (London, UTC +1) / 18:30 CEST (Budapest, UTC +2) / 19:30 EEST (Bucharest, UTC +3).

performer sitting, wearing a black button-down and black pants.
It’s a cultural thing. Or is it? (Ireland)
Independent Theater Hungary logo.
Independent Theater Hungary
Video

It’s a cultural thing. Or is it? (Ireland)

As part of the Roma Theatre Retrospective 2020

Thursday 8 October 2020
Ireland

Independent Theater Hungary presented a performance and conversation around It’s a cultural thing. Or is it? (Ireland) as part of the Roma Theatre Retrospective 2020 livestreamed on the global, commons-based, peer produced HowlRound TV network at howlround.tv on Thursday 8 October 2020 at 9:30 a.m. PDT (San Francisco, UTC -7) / 12:30 p.m. EDT (New York, UTC -4) / 17:30 BST (London, UTC +1) / 18:30 CEST (Budapest, UTC +2) / 19:30 EEST (Bucharest, UTC +3).

actor on stage with chameleon outline in background
Chameleon Girl (Hungary)
Independent Theater Hungary logo.
Independent Theater Hungary
Video

Chameleon Girl (Hungary)

As part of the Roma Theatre Retrospective 2020

Tuesday 6 October 2020
Hungary

Independent Theater Hungary presented a performance and conversation around Chameleon Girl (Hungary) as part of the Roma Theatre Retrospective 2020 livestreamed on the global, commons-based, peer produced HowlRound TV network at howlround.tv on Tuesday 6 October 2020 at 9:30 a.m. PDT (San Francisco, UTC -7) / 12:30 p.m. EDT (New York, UTC -4) / 17:30 BST (London, UTC +1) / 18:30 CEST (Budapest, UTC +2) / 19:30 EEST (Bucharest, UTC +3).

A performer holding a puppet.
Children of the Wind (Italy)
Independent Theater Hungary logo.
Independent Theater Hungary
Video

Children of the Wind (Italy)

As part of the Roma Theatre Retrospective 2020

Monday 5 October 2020
United States

Independent Theater Hungary presented a performance and conversation around Children of the Wind (Italy) as part of the Roma Theatre Retrospective 2020 livestreamed on the global, commons-based, peer produced HowlRound TV network at howlround.tv on Monday 5 October 2020 at 9:30 a.m. PDT (San Francisco, UTC -7) / 12:30 p.m. EDT (New York, UTC -4) / 17:30 BST (London, UTC +1) / 18:30 CEST (Budapest, UTC +2) / 19:30 EEST (Bucharest, UTC +3).

portrait of richard o'neill
The Hardest Word (Scotland)
Independent Theater Hungary logo.
Independent Theater Hungary
howlround logo
HowlRound Theatre Commons
Video

The Hardest Word (Scotland)

As part of the Roma Theatre Retrospective 2020

Wednesday 30 September 2020
Scotland, United Kingdom

Independent Theater Hungary presented a performance and conversation around The Hardest Word (Scotland) as part of the Roma Theatre Retrospective 2020 livestreamed on the global, commons-based, peer produced HowlRound TV network at howlround.tv on Wednesday 30 September 2020 at 9:30 a.m. PDT (San Francisco, UTC -7) / 12:30 p.m. EDT (New York, UTC -4) / 17:30 BST (London, UTC +1) / 18:30 CEST (Budapest, UTC +2) / 19:30 EEST (Bucharest, UTC +3).

actor in black shirt on stage
You Didn’t See Anything! (Romania)
Independent Theater Hungary logo.
Independent Theater Hungary
howlround logo
HowlRound Theatre Commons
Video

You Didn’t See Anything! (Romania)

As part of the Roma Theatre Retrospective 2020

Monday 28 September 2020
Romania

Independent Theater Hungary presented a conversation around You Didn’t See Anything! (Romania) as part of the Roma Theatre Retrospective 2020 livestreamed on the global, commons-based, peer produced HowlRound TV network at howlround.tv on Monday 28 September 2020 at 9:30 a.m. PDT (San Francisco, UTC -7) / 12:30 p.m. EDT (New York, UTC -4) / 17:30 BST (London, UTC +1) / 18:30 CEST (Budapest, UTC +2) / 19:30 EEST (Bucharest, UTC +3).

A Conversation about Profound Dignity (Spain)
Independent Theater Hungary logo.
Independent Theater Hungary
howlround logo
HowlRound Theatre Commons
Video

A Conversation about Profound Dignity (Spain)

As part of the Roma Theatre Retrospective 2020

Tuesday 22 September 2020
Spain

Independent Theater Hungary presented a performance and conversation around Profound Dignity (Spain) with the Roma Theatre Retrospective livestreamed on the global, commons-based, peer produced HowlRound TV network at howlround.tv on Tuesday 22 September 2020 at 9:30 a.m. PDT (San Francisco, UTC -7) / 12:30 p.m. EDT (New York, UTC -4) / 17:30 BST (London, UTC +1) / 18:30 CEST (Budapest, UTC +2) / 19:30 EEST (Bucharest, UTC +3).

actors onstage in hospital beds
A Conversation around Shoddies (Hungary)
Independent Theater Hungary logo.
Independent Theater Hungary
howlround logo
HowlRound Theatre Commons
Video

A Conversation around Shoddies (Hungary)

As part of the Roma Theatre Retrospective 2020

Monday 21 September 2020
Hungary

Independent Theater Hungary presented a performance and conversation around Shoddies (Hungary) with the Roma Theatre Retrospective livestreamed on the global, commons-based, peer produced HowlRound TV network at howlround.tv on Monday 21 September 2020 at 9 a.m. PDT (San Francisco, UTC -7) / 12 p.m. EDT (UTC -4) / 18:00 CEST (Budapest, UTC +2).

urban body performance poster
(Canceled) Performance of Urban Body by Giuvlipen, a feminist Roma theatre company
giuvlipen theatre company logo
Giuvlipen Theater Company
Video

(Canceled) Performance of Urban Body by Giuvlipen, a feminist Roma theatre company

in Bucharest, Romania

Tuesday 10 March 2020
Bucharest, Romania

(Event Canceled) Giuvlipen—a feminist Roma theatre company—presents their performance of Urban Body livestreaming from Bucharest, Romania on the global, commons-based peer produced HowlRound TV network at howlround.tv Tuesday 10 March 2020 at 11 a.m. PDT (Los Angeles, UTC-7) / 2 p.m. EDT (New York, UTC-4) / 18:00 GMT (London, UTC+0) / 19:00 CET (Budapest, UTC+1) / 20:00 EET (Bucharest, UTC+2).

three actors onstage
Roma Futurism and the Future of Roma Theatre
Essay

Roma Futurism and the Future of Roma Theatre

An Interview with Mihaela Drăgan

10 February 2020

HowlRound’s director, Jamie Gahlon, talks with theatremaker Mihaela Drăgan about contemporary Roma theatre and the artistic movement Roma Futurism.

dunaPart 5 logo
The (self-)representation of Romas on stage - trends and challenges in today’s Hungary
Trafó House of Contemporary Arts in Budapest logo
Trafó
Video

The (self-)representation of Romas on stage - trends and challenges in today’s Hungary

A conversation during the dunaPart 5 platform

Saturday 30 November 2019
Budapest, Hungary

dunaPart—an initiative of Trafó House of Contemporary Arts in Budapest—presented the conversation The (self-)representation of Romas on stage - trends and challenges in today’s Hungary livestreamed on the global, commons-based peer produced HowlRound TV network at howlround.tv Saturday 30 November 2019 at 8 a.m. PST (Los Angeles, UTC -8) / 11 a.m. EST (New York, UTC -5) / 16:00 GMT (London, UTC +0) / 17:00 CET (Budapest, UTC +1) / 18:00 EET (Bucharest, UTC +2).

Five actors on stage dressed in Roma clothes from the 1940's.
Performance of Kali Traš (Black Fear) by Giuvlipen Theatre Company, Romania
giuvlipen theatre company logo
Giuvlipen Theater Company
State Jewish Theatre Logo.
State Jewish Theater
Video

Performance of Kali Traš (Black Fear) by Giuvlipen Theatre Company, Romania

On the Roma Genocide during the Second World War

Friday 25 October 2019
Bucharest, Romania

Giuvlipen Theatre Company and State Jewish Theater presented a performance of Kali Traš (Black Fear) by Giuvlipen Theatre Company livestreaming from Bucharest, Romania on the global, commons-based peer produced HowlRound TV network at howlround.tv on Friday 25 October 2019 at 9 a.m. PDT (Vancouver, UTC -7) / 12 p.m. EDT (New York, UTC -4) / 16:00 UTC +0 / 5 p.m. BST (London, UTC +1) / 18:00 CEST (Budapest, UTC +2) / 19:00 EEST (Bucharest, UTC +3).

Two actors in traditional Roma women clothing with their backs to us.
Discussion of Who killed Szomna Grancsa? by Giuvlipen Theatre Company (Romania)
Independent Theater Hungary logo.
Independent Theater Hungary
giuvlipen theatre company logo
Giuvlipen Theater Company
Video

Discussion of Who killed Szomna Grancsa? by Giuvlipen Theatre Company (Romania)

Presented by the Roma Heroes International Theatre Festival, Budapest, Hungary

Sunday 15 September 2019
Budapest, Hungary

Roma Heroes International Theatre Festival produced by Independent Theater Hungary presented a conversation about Giuvlipen Theatre Company's Who killed Szomna Grancsa? from Budapest, Hungary for the global, commons-based peer produced HowlRound TV network at howlround.tv Sunday 15 September 2019. 

Roma woman posing as the Statue of Liberty with a US flag as a her dress.
Performance of American Gypsy by PARADAIZ
gold triangle with crescent moon over black background
PARADAIZ
green circle next to black text centrul national al dansului
National Dance Centre
Video

Performance of American Gypsy by PARADAIZ

Bucharest, Romania

Thursday 12 September 2019
Bucharest, Romania

PARADAIZ in Bucharest, Romania presents a performance of American Gypsy livestreaming on the global, commons-based peer-produced HowlRound TV network on Thursday 12 September at 11 a.m. EDT (New York, UTC-4) / 15:00 UTC+0 / 17:00 CET (Berlin, UTC+2) / 18:00 EEST (Bucharest, UTC+3). 

a group of performers dancing onstage with an audience watching
Performing Gitanidad (Romaniness) On Stage
Essay

Performing Gitanidad (Romaniness) On Stage

14 March 2019

Miguel Ángel Vargas unfolds the history of Gitano (Romani) theatre in Spain, from the eighteenth century to today.

 

a band onstage
Nomadic Theatre Keeps its Traditions Alive in France / En France, la perpétuation du théâtre Sinti et nomade
Essay

Nomadic Theatre Keeps its Traditions Alive in France / En France, la perpétuation du théâtre Sinti et nomade

13 March 2019

Marine Leduc discusses the nomadic theatre traditions of the Hognon family, who travel southwestern France staging plays that explore their Tsigane identity. / Marine Leduc explore les traditions du théâtre nomade des Hognons, une famille qui voyage à travers le Sud-Ouest de la France et y joue des pièces qui parcourt leur identité tsigane.

The Revolution is Here and Now
Essay

The Revolution is Here and Now

The Revolution is Roma, Queer, and Feminist

12 March 2019

Arman Heljic uses the play Roma Armee to discuss how European Roma are rejecting their colonial legacy and reclaiming their narrative.

group of people onstage
The Other Role
Essay

The Other Role

On the Representation of Roma on the Hungarian Stage

11 March 2019

Katarzyna Pabijanek reflects on Roma presence in Hungarian theatre, both throughout history and today.

Seven Romani actors sit together looking at the camera
From Cultural Appropriation to Self-Representation
Essay

From Cultural Appropriation to Self-Representation

A History of Roma Theatre in Romania

10 March 2019

Mihaela Drăgan looks at the way Roma are and have been portrayed in theatre in Romania and how Romani artists are working to reclaim their stories.

Roma Artists Telling Stories of Resistance, Not Victimhood
Essay

Roma Artists Telling Stories of Resistance, Not Victimhood

24 May 2018

Mihaela Drăgan interviews Sandra and Simonida Selimovic of Mindj Panther about their show Roma Armee, and the activist work they are doing in Austria to fight against Roma oppression.