In celebration of the World Shakespeare Congress 2026, organised in Verona (Italy) by the Skenè Research Centre, University of Verona, in collaboration with the International Shakespeare Association from 20 to 26 July 2026, the Conservatory Evaristo Felice Dall’Abaco of Verona invites artists from all over the world to submit proposals for a creative text to accompany an original musical composition. This collaborative project seeks to merge music and narrative, offering a unique performance in tribute to the timeless legacy of Shakespeare, exploring themes, motifs, or interpretations inspired by his work.
This is an opportunity for artists from all over the world to showcase a brand-new work specifically devised for premiering at the WSC in 2026.
Project Specifics
— Language: The text must be written in English and can include passages in other languages.
— Performance Duration: The texts must be designed for a performance of approximately 90 minutes, considering
§ 20-30 minutes of music directly interacting with or contextualising the spoken text, enhancing the storytelling experience.
§ at least 20-30 minutes of preludes, interludes, and/or a finale in addition to the spoken text.
§ In the main passages, it is asked to indicate the musical atmosphere which is considered most suitable (the music will be then created at the composers’ discretion).
— Narrative Form: The narrative can be structured as either
§ a script for a stage action with multiple actors;
§ a dramatic reading performed by 2 or more actors; or
§ a monologue by a single performer.
Artistic Guidelines
We encourage proposals that bring a fresh, innovative perspective to themes, characters, or settings that explore the many ways in which Shakespeare may be conceived as ‘planetary’. Artists may choose to adapt or reimagine Shakespeare’s works or craft new stories inspired by their language, legacy, or world. The narrative should be conceived in close relationship with the music, allowing the two forms to complement and enrich one another. The text can explore diverse genres—tragic, comic, historical, or variously experimental—while making full use of the emotional and narrative power of live music.
The selected artist(s) will collaborate closely with the professionals of the Conservatory to make sure that the narrative and the original music harmonise.
Submission Requirements
— Project synopsis (maximum 500 words) outlining the narrative concept and its connection to Shakespeare’s work or legacy, and including technical rider.
— Sample excerpt (up to 5 pages) or a detailed outline of the text.
— Description of musical integration, specifying where the music will be placed in relation to the text and how it interacts with the spoken narrative.
— CV and portfolio: Highlighting relevant experience in writing for performance or other related disciplines.
Selection Criteria
Proposals will be evaluated based on
— creativity;
— consonance with the theme of the World Shakespeare Congress;
— the synergy between text and music;
— estimate of the production costs for directing, acting and lightning and props (possible venue: Roman Theatre).
Deadlines
— Deadline for proposals: 30 April 2025
— Selected artist(s) will be notified by 15 May 2025
— Deadline for submission of complete work: 15 September 2025
This is a unique opportunity to participate in a prestigious global event, collaborating with world-class musicians to create a memorable tribute to Shakespeare through a fusion of music and text.
For further details and to submit your proposal, please contact skene@ateneo.univr.it