Every theatre represents itself as a keeper of national identity and, together with newspapers, theatres are considered to contribute to national integration and cohesion throughout history. It is a historical fact that artists always played important roles in nation formation movements in Europe. For example, during 18th and 19th century, Europe experienced national revivals that eventually led to the creation of the modern nation-states and artists had a significant influence over these processes.

The activities were particularly vivid at the end of 18th and beginning of the 19th century, and national revivals always had strong cultural characters where national identities were formed based on national culture that was often constructed by intellectuals. In a majority of cases, language played an important role, and national activists were writing grammars, patriotic songs, and newspaper articles in local languages, which were often constructed using one local dialect used among peasantry.

Vast majority of literature concentrates on the influence of media and intellectuals in nation integration process; however, theatres also had an important role in preservation and creation of national identities, which is why theatres proud themselves of being cradles of national culture(s). This applies to theatres in countries with long statehood, as well as to newly founded countries or countries that got their theatres only in 20th century.

Papers are invited (but not limited to) for the following themes:

        • Role of theatres in preservation and creation of national identities
        • Theatres and national movements
        • Theatres and 19th century European nationalism
        • Theatres during the WWII
        • Role of theatres in post-national condition
        • Popularity of theatres
        • Theatres vs film: performance and visual identities
        • Theatres and cultural policy
        • Theatres in national tourist offers