Fanny Ardant, Cristian Măcelaru, Yamamoto Noh Theater, Wim Vandekeybus, Emma Dante, Elfriede Jelinek, Margareta Niculescu and Ofelia Popii Honoured with Stars on the Sibiu Walk of Fame

The ninth day of the Festival began with two highly anticipated Special Conferences that filled the Hall of Mirrors to capacity. The first brought together Swiss director Milo Rau and Octavian Saiu for a conversation about Rau's creative process and artistic journey.

"We must also see the overwhelming beauty that surrounds us. The beauty of this world elevates me," said Milo Rau.

A summary of the conference is available on the FITS Blog.

The following Special Conference featured acclaimed French actress and director Fanny Ardant in conversation with Matei Vișniec. Reflecting on the audience's response to her performance of Cassandra, she described the silence that filled the theatre as a precious gift:

"I loved the fact that the audience knew how to embrace silence. At the end, I was surrounded by darkness, and I could feel the warmth of the audience."

As part of the online programme FITS Talks, writer Marius Chivu was in conversation with choreographer Ștefan Lupu.

Stars Awarded on the Sibiu Walk of Fame

Some of the most celebrated names in the performing arts were honoured with stars on the Sibiu Walk of Fame: Fanny Ardant, Cristian Măcelaru, Yamamoto Noh Theater, Wim Vandekeybus, Emma Dante, Elfriede Jelinek, Margareta Niculescu and Ofelia Popii.

The ceremony was hosted by Constantin Chiriac, President of FITS, together with Astrid Fodor, Mayor of Sibiu.

"Dear Audience! For 33 years, whether you come from Sibiu, Romania or anywhere else in the world, you have stood by our side and filled us with incomparable energy. Thank you from the bottom of our SOULS! For the past 14 years, the greatest names in the performing arts have become part of the Sibiu Walk of Fame, in a city that has opened its gates to artistic excellence. Today we add eight new stars to this Walk, which has become a true cultural ambassador of Romania," said Constantin Chiriac, President of FITS.

"Starting on Monday, the lovers of this Festival will already begin counting the days until the next edition, which will undoubtedly be another outstanding success," said Astrid Fodor, Mayor of Sibiu.

The Walk of Fame Ceremony was followed by the Walk of Fame Gala, broadcast live on TVR Cultural and hosted by Irina Păcurariu.

Fanny Ardant's star was presented with the support of Therme Group, represented by Ramona Chiriac, Global Vice President for Impact, who spoke about the company's partnership with FITS. The laudatio was delivered by Isabelle Pérot, Director of the French Institute in Romania, followed by the actress's acceptance speech.

Ofelia Popii's star was presented in partnership with UniCredit Bank, represented by Anca Ungureanu, Director of Identity and Communication. Director Silviu Purcărete delivered the laudatio before the actress addressed the audience.

Recognition continued with the star awarded to Nobel Prize-winning writer Elfriede Jelinek, supported by Raiffeisen Bank, represented by Alina Rus, Chief Financial Officer. Milo Rau, Artistic Director of Wiener Festwochen, delivered the laudatio and accepted the distinction on behalf of the laureate.

For the first time in the history of FITS, a star was awarded to a theatre company rather than to an individual artist. The distinction presented to Yamamoto Noh Theater was offered with the support of NEPI Rockcastle and Promenada Sibiu. Roxana Baias, Group Head of Marketing at NEPI Rockcastle, addressed the audience, while H.E. Takashi Katae, Ambassador of Japan to Romania, delivered the laudatio. Akihiro Yamamoto, Director of the company, accepted the award and offered his thanks in Japanese.

Director Emma Dante received her star with the support of E.ON Energie România, represented by CEO Claudia Griech. H.E. Laura Aghilarre, Ambassador of Italy to Romania, delivered the laudatio and accepted the distinction, while the audience also watched a video acceptance message from the artist.

Choreographer and director Wim Vandekeybus received his star with the support of TELLO, represented by Marketing Director Alexandru Creangă. Theatre critic Octavian Saiu delivered the laudatio, followed by the artist's acceptance speech.

A posthumous tribute was paid to director Margareta Niculescu, whose star was presented with the support of Garanti BBVA. Alexandra Ozkan, Corporate Communications Manager, spoke about the partnership with FITS, while H.E. Simona-Mirela Miculescu, Permanent Delegate of Romania to UNESCO, delivered the laudatio and accepted the distinction on behalf of the late artist.

Conductor Cristian Măcelaru received his star with the support of CEC Bank. Cătălina Roman, Director of Identity and Communication at CEC Bank, highlighted the bank's long-standing involvement in the Festival, while composer Vasile Șirli delivered the laudatio. The distinction was accepted by Cristina Uruc, Manager of Artexim, and included a video message of thanks from the conductor.

Special Awards Presented to Grivița 53 Theatre, Iustinian Turcu and Alin Uberti

The ceremony also included the presentation of several special distinctions.

The Virgil Flonda Award was presented to actor Iustinian Turcu, with the support of BRD – Groupe Société Générale. Marius Pădurean, Business Center Director, spoke about the bank's partnership with the Festival, while Sorin Radu, Rector of the Lucian Blaga University of Sibiu, delivered the laudatio and presented the award.

BRD also supported the Iulian Vișa Award, presented to director Alin Uberti. The distinction was awarded by director Bobi Pricop, who also delivered the laudatio.

During the same ceremony, Claudiu Braicu, Branch Manager at Autoklass, addressed the audience, highlighting the company's long-standing mobility partnership with FITS.

A Special Award was also presented to GRIVIȚA 53 Theatre. Lisa Richards Toney, CEO of the Association of Performing Arts Professionals (APAP), delivered the laudatio. The distinction was accepted by Chris Simion-Mercurian, Artistic Director, and Tiberiu Mercurian, Managing Partner, who thanked the Festival and spoke about the challenges of building Romania's first theatre financed entirely through private donations.

Throughout the day, audiences attended performances of Faust, Medea's Children directed by Milo Rau, Medea's Children directed by Botond Nagy, The Symphony of Sawdust, and The Letter directed by Milo Rau. The Swiss director also led a masterclass for students.

The evening concluded in the Grand Square with the French outdoor production The Stranger. Journey to Absurdistan, followed by a concert by VOLTAJ, who offered audiences an energetic performance filled with memorable songs and an authentic connection with the public.

Sibiu International Theatre Festival: 848 Events and 5,000 Artists from 83 Countries

The Sibiu International Theatre Festival (FITS), one of the world's largest and most important performing arts festivals, takes place in Sibiu from 19 to 28 June 2026. The 33rd edition, held under the theme SOUL, features 848 events and welcomes more than 5,000 artists from 83 countries.

This year's theme—SOUL—highlights the idea that, beyond technology, it is the human soul that matters most, whether it belongs to the artist or to the spectator.

The FITS mobile application includes the complete Festival programme, allows users to personalise their schedules and offers many additional features. The app is available free of charge on both Google Play for Android and the App Store for iOS.

Real-time information about FITS is available on the Festival's Facebook, Instagram and TikTok channels, as well as through the FITS newsletter at fitsibiu.substack.com.