FLUL, 13-14 of April 2026
The Centre for Classical Studies of the University of Lisbon is pleased to launch the call for papers for the first
edition of Sympatheia – SYMPosium of Ancient THEatre Initiatives in Academia. The event, organized in
collaboration with Theatron. Teatro Antico alla Sapienza (Sapienza Università di Roma) and the APGRD
(University of Oxford), will be held in person at the University of Lisbon, on the 13th and 14th of April 2026.
Sympatheia will be an occasion for projects based in universities and focusing on the practical side of Greek
and Roman Drama (performance and/or outreach) to showcase their work, goals, and mission. The idea is to
allow classical theatre groups in Academia to get to know each other and create a network for future
collaborations.
Each selected project can be represented by one or two participants: these can be undergraduate,
postgraduate, and doctoral students, as well as faculty members. They will have 20 minutes to present their
activity and – if they wish – an additional 10 minutes to perform a live scene (keeping in mind the two-person
limit) or show a recording (or pictures) of a performance or event. To participate in the selection process,
please send an abstract (in PDF format) to tommaso.suaria@edu.ulisboa.pt by Friday, 5th December 2025. The
abstract should contain the following information:
* Name of the project.
* Names and number of project members who will participate in the symposium.
* Whether you opt for a 20-minute slot (presentation only) or a 30-minute slot (presentation +
performance).
* A title for your presentation.
* A summary of the contents.
* A short biography of the participant(s).
The entire document should not exceed 500 words. Accepted languages for the abstract and presentations
are English, Portuguese, Spanish, Italian, French, and German. Performances may be in any language
(including no language). We should be able to notify everyone about the outcome of their application by
Friday 19th December 2025.
The Symposium will host two Keynote Sessions: a Theatron round table and a lecture by Prof Emmanuela
Bakola (University of Warwick – Warwick Ancient Drama Festival). Participants will be asked to contribute
with a 50€ participation fee, which includes meals (two lunches and one dinner) and coffee breaks.
Please do not hesitate to contact me in case you need any further information or assistance.
We are looking forward to welcoming you in Lisbon!