Shakespeare Festival Being Led by Maja Delinić from Now Onwards
Maja Delinić, the new Artistic Director of the Shakespeare Festival Neuss, has unveiled her plans to make the festival more accessible, globally connected, and creatively diverse. Starting from May 6, 2022, Delinić will lead the festival with a focus on inclusivity, cultural exchange, and innovative programming.
Accessibility at the Forefront
Delinić is committed to making the festival more inclusive for all. She plans to improve physical and sensory accessibility for audiences, with additions such as sign language interpretation, audio description, and barrier-free venues to ensure that people with disabilities can fully participate.
Global Reach and Cultural Exchange
To deepen the festival’s global reach, Delinić plans to partner with theatre companies and artists from various countries. This collaboration will promote cultural exchange and bring diverse perspectives to Shakespeare’s works. With her international connections in countries like Croatia, Armenia, Russia, Israel, and Brazil, she is well-positioned to foster these collaborations.
Cross-Genre Programming
Delinić envisions a program that integrates different artistic forms such as dance, music, visual arts, and digital media alongside traditional theatre. This cross-genre programming will create innovative and interdisciplinary performances, offering audiences a unique and immersive experience.
Children's Programs
Delinić is also committed to developing engaging, educational activities and performances tailored for younger audiences. She aims to inspire early appreciation of Shakespeare through workshops, storytelling, and interactive events. The children's program will be continued and further developed, as it is particularly important to Delinić.
Foreign-language productions will be part of the program, with introductions, lectures, or subtitles provided to enhance understanding. These initiatives reflect her vision of evolving the festival into a more inclusive, globally connected, and creatively diverse cultural event.
Collaboration with Local Businesses
Delinić also plans to collaborate with local businesses in Neuss, aiming to bring a theater troupe that performs at several locations. This collaboration will help bring the festival to the city and its residents, making it more accessible and engaging for everyone.
A Stroke of Luck for the Shakespeare Festival
Dr. Christiane Zangs, Culture Commissioner, considers Delinić's appointment a stroke of luck for the Shakespeare Festival. With her extensive experience and connections in the theater scene, Delinić is poised to take the festival to new heights.
Under Delinić's leadership, the Shakespeare Festival Neuss is set to become a vibrant and inclusive cultural event, attracting audiences from around the world and inspiring a love for Shakespeare in the hearts of the young and old.
