Inaugural Interregional Student Theater Festival "An Ordinary Miracle" Named After Yevgeny Schwartz to Debut in Maykop

In October, the inaugural Interregional Student Theater Festival "An Ordinary Miracle," named after the eminent playwright Yevgeny Schwartz, will be held for the first time in Maykop—his birthplace. The event commemorates the 130th anniversary of Schwartz's birth.

The festival will take place from October 18 to 24, 2026, at Adygea State University (ASU). It is organized with the support of the Russian Ministry of Science and Higher Education as part of the Year of Unity of the Peoples of Russia, with total funding amounting to 4.5 million rubles. The event is organized by ASU in partnership with the Schwartz House Cultural Center.

A distinctive feature of the festival is the participation of student theater groups from cities closely associated with Schwartz's life and creative legacy. The organizing committee has already received preliminary confirmations from student theaters in Kazan, Moscow, Krasnodar, Rostov-on-Don, St. Petersburg, and Kirov. International participation is also anticipated, including representatives from Dushanbe.

Currently, no similar format exists for amateur student theater groups in Russia. The organizers have deliberately chosen not to adopt a competitive framework; rather than a rigorous selection process or winner determination, the festival's primary objectives are to unite students, foster creative exchange, and introduce participants to theatrical art and Russia's rich cultural heritage. All participating groups will receive certificates and commemorative prizes, with special diplomas awarded at the discretion of the Organizing Committee.

Each group will present one creative project lasting up to 90 minutes—this may take the form of a theatrical performance, a miniature, or a program based on Schwartz's works or dedicated to his life and creative path.

A highlight of the festival will be a series of joint events organized with the ANO "Schwartz House." Participants will have the opportunity to follow the "Yevgeny Schwartz's Maykop" cultural route, visit the "Schwartz House" Cultural Center, and meet with the playwright's granddaughter, Maria Kryzhanovskaya, alongside renowned Schwartz scholar Elena Voskoboeva, Doctor of Philology from St. Petersburg, who also serves as editor of the complete Collected Works of Yevgeny Schwartz.

The organizers have placed strong emphasis on the festival's educational component, offering participants a diverse program of master classes in stage speech, stage movement, and acting. Additionally, guests will enjoy a curated tour program showcasing the culture, natural beauty, and landmarks of the Republic of Adygea.

Applications for participation are being accepted until September 10, 2026, via email at festshwarts@adygnet.ru. Detailed terms and conditions are outlined in the festival regulations.