World Shakespeare Congress 2026
The world Shakespearean congress in the city of Romeo and Juliet
About World Shakespeare Congress
Shakespeare returns to Verona
The World Shakespeare Congress is the global congress that brings together the international community of Shakespearean studies every five years. The twelfth edition is held in Verona, in Veneto, the city that Shakespeare chose as the setting for Romeo and Juliet and The Two Gentlemen of Verona, and which is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. This is the first time the congress is being held in Italy.
A planetary theme
The 2026 congress revolves around the theme 'Planetary Shakespeares' and investigates the role of Shakespeare's work in connection with contemporary concerns about the planet's future. The event also celebrates the 50th anniversary of the International Shakespeare Association (ISA), which promotes it together with the Skenè research center of the University of Verona, with scientific coordination by Professor Silvia Bigliazzi.
Between study and performance
The program intertwines academic rigor with the dimension of performance: alongside keynotes, plenaries, panels, seminars, and workshops, there is space for theatrical performances, concerts, book presentations, and cultural events open to the city. Among the most anticipated events are the staging of Julius Caesar at the Roman Theatre and the Verona Shakespeare Fringe, which brings Shakespearean theatre out of the lecture halls and into the symbolic places of the Scaliger city.
World Shakespeare Congress — edition 2026
The twelfth edition of the World Shakespeare Congress takes place in Verona from July 20 to 26, 2026, on the theme 'Planetary Shakespeares'. Promoted by the International Shakespeare Association — celebrating its 50th anniversary — together with the Skenè center of the University of Verona, the congress combines keynotes, plenaries, panels, seminars, and workshops with a rich artistic program of shows, concerts, performances, and book presentations. Among the highlights are the staging of Julius Caesar at the Roman Theatre and the Verona Shakespeare Fringe.
Programme World Shakespeare Congress 2026
Congress Structure (July 20–26, 2026)
- Keynotes and plenaries with leading international Shakespearean scholars
- Scientific round tables, panels, seminars, and workshops
- Book presentations and cultural events
Artistic Program
- Julius Caesar — staged at Verona's Roman Theatre
- Verona Shakespeare Fringe — a festival of shows and performances throughout the city
- Concerts and theatrical performances open to the public
The detailed scientific program and performance schedule will be published on the official congress website.
Highlights World Shakespeare Congress 2026
Prices World Shakespeare Congress 2026
Practical information — World Shakespeare Congress
Where
Scientific sessions are held at the University of Verona; shows and performances animate the city's locations, including the Roman Theatre.
Registration
The congress is primarily aimed at scholars and researchers; registration (pre-registration and full registration) is done on the official website. Several performance events are open to the city's residents.
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Where does it take place — World Shakespeare Congress
Università di Verona e luoghi della città
Via dell'Artigliere 8, 37129 Verona