POLYPHONY
International Association of Theatre and Performing Arts in and for Indigenous, Regional and Minoritized Languages
The association builds on the European cooperation project phōnē – Giving Minority Languages a Voice, 2022–2025(www.rml-theatre.eu), which connected minority language theatres and demonstrated the power of artistic exchange across linguistic and cultural borders.
Who we are
POLYPHONY is an international association dedicated to theatre and performing arts in indigenous, regional and minoritized languages (IRML). Founded by theatres and performing arts organisations working in minority languages – including partners such as Tryater (Frisian, Netherlands), Teatr Piba (Breton, France), Centro Dramático Galego (Galician, Spain), Kvääniteatteri (Kven, Norway) and the Deutsch-Sorbisches Volkstheater Bautzen (Sorbian, Germany) – the network primarily brings together theatres and performing arts organisations committed to artistic collaboration and the preservation of linguistic diversity.
Why it matters
Linguistic diversity is one of the world’s greatest cultural treasures, yet many indigenous, regional and minoritized languages are increasingly at risk. When languages disappear, unique forms of knowledge, memory and cultural expression disappear with them.
Theatre and performing arts play a vital role in keeping languages alive. They create spaces where communities can hear, speak and celebrate their languages through contemporary artistic expression.
POLYPHONY believes that supporting theatres and performing arts organisations working in and for indigenous, regional and minoritized languages strengthens cultural diversity, fosters international dialogue and contributes to more inclusive and resilient societies.
What we do
The network works to:
- strengthen theatre and performing arts in indigenous, regional and minoritized languages
- increase visibility and international exchange
- support collaboration between theatres and performing arts organisations
- facilitate access to funding opportunities, foster project partnerships and connect members with relevant academic and research expertise
- encourage the creation and circulation of new works in minority languages
- promote linguistic diversity as a vital part of cultural heritage and artistic expression
Through artistic exchange, festivals, workshops, research and advocacy, POLYPHONY aims to build a sustainable international network that amplifies voices, cultures and artistic practices that are too often overlooked.
Join the network
POLYPHONY welcomes theatres and performing arts organisations, as well as cultural institutional partners from around the world who work in and for indigenous, regional and minoritized languages.