Peter Stein - XIV Europe Theatre Prize

XII Europe Prize New Theatrical Realities goes to: Viliam Dočolomanský, Katie Mitchell, Andrey Moguchiy, Kristian Smeds, Teatro Meridional and Vesturport Theatre

The events of the XIV edition of Europe Theatre Prize and of the XII Europe Prize New Theatrical Realities, will take place in Russia, in St. Petersburg from 13th to 17th April 2011. The Prize events will take place under the support and patronage of the Russian Government with its Ministry of Culture and the Government of the City of St. Petersburg. Furthermore, the “Fund Baltic International Festival Center” commits itself to host, finance and organize the events of Europe Theatre Prize in St. Petersburg.
This year, the XIV edition Prize was awarded to Peter Stein, icon of contemporary European theatre. Stein ranks among the most important creators of German and European theatre of the second half of the twentieth century, particularly during the creative surge of the 70s, for his monumental projects, often performed in unexpected venues. In 1970, he founded the Schaubühne Company in Berlin, featuring extraordinary actors such as Bruno Ganz and Edith Clever. The group performed provocative, unconventional productions that revolutionised the structure of the theatrical space. In addition to “rewriting” ancient and modern classics, Stein mounted new shows that fearlessly explored languages and issues that challenged the values of the time, and to this day continues experimenting with the language of theatre in his scrupulous, prolific manner. Bold examples of this approach are the memorable nine-hour production of Orestea (1980), restaged in 1993 in a Russian version with the Red Army Company, and the monumental twenty-one-hour Faust, realised for the 2000 Expo in Hanover. Last but not least are the 2009 Demoni project with Italian actors and Maddalena Crippa in the role of Varvara Petrovna Stravogina, and Oedipus at Colonus, presented with Klaus Maria Brandauer at the Salzburg Festival in 2010.
In deciding the award of the XII edition of the Europe Prize New Theatrical Realities, the nominations put forward by the Council (made up of almost 300 experts on European theatre) and the members of the Jury in an exercise preceding the meeting were examined by the Jury.
The Jury’s choice fell upon artists who fulfill perfectly the dictates of Art. 3 of the Prize Regulations:
“ [...]Since its second edition, the Jury of EPNTR has indicated that the Prize should be an opportunity for meeting and confrontation between different modes of expression of European theatre. […]”.

The Europe Prize New Theatrical Realities (EPNTR) has been awarded alongside the Europe Theatre Prize since its third edition. The Europe Prize New Theatrical Realities is aimed at encouraging emerging trends and initiatives in European drama, considered in all its different forms, articulations and expressions. The choice should take account of the candidate’s complete work, of its innovative character and originality. The Prize may be awarded to a company, an artistic ensemble, a theatre, or a single artist.
The XII Europe Prize New Theatrical Realities was awarded to the following artists (listed here in alphabetical order):
Viliam Dočolomanský, candidate since 2008 (Slovakia/Czech Republic), Katie Mitchell, candidate since 1999 (United Kingdom), Andrey Moguchiy, candidate since 2008 (Russia), Kristian Smeds, candidate since 2001 (Finland), Teatro Meridional, candidate since 2007 (Portugal) and Vesturport Theatre, candidate since 2007 (Iceland).
The Europe Prize New Theatrical Realities was raised permanently from 20,000 to 30,000 Euros, as had been approved for the last edition. The sum shall be divided into equal parts.

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The Union of European Theatres is an associate and supporting body, a union which was sponsored by François Mitterrand and founded by Jack Lang and Giorgio Strehler, who strongly wanted to cooperate with ETP since the foundation of UTE. The International Association of Theatre Critics, the Instituto Internacional del Teatro del Mediterraneo, the International Theatre Institute UNESCO and the European Festivals Association are associate bodies.
The Jury of the XIV edition of the Europe Theatre Prize and of the XII edition of the Europe Prize New Theatrical Realities met in Rome on 4 July 2010 to assign the prizes.
The Europe Theatre Prize (ETP) of 60,000 € is awarded to individuals or theatrical institutions (theatres, companies) that have contributed to the realisation of cultural events which have promoted understanding and the exchange of knowledge between peoples. The prize is awarded to the career and the winner is chosen for the whole of his artistic path among notable personalities of international theatre considered in all its different forms, articulations and expressions.

Premio Europa Per il Teatro - Press Release 11.10.2010