Organizer Information
La Chartreuse – Centre national des écritures du spectacle is a renowned cultural institution located in the historic Carthusian monastery complex in Villeneuve‑lez‑Avignon. Dedicated to contemporary writing for the performing arts, the center provides a platform for playwrights, translators, and theatre practitioners to develop new dramatic texts and explore innovative approaches to dramaturgy. Through residencies, workshops, public readings, and collaborative laboratories, La Chartreuse supports the development and circulation of contemporary theatrical writing both in France and internationally.
For the 2026 edition of its international writing campus, La Chartreuse partners with the Fonds Fanak and the Maison Antoine Vitez – Centre international de la traduction théâtrale. Together, these organizations aim to foster intercultural exchange and strengthen connections between playwrights across the Mediterranean region. The program is part of the broader cultural initiative known as the Mediterranean Season 2026, which highlights artistic collaborations and shared cultural narratives across Mediterranean countries.
Title & Description
International Playwriting Residency 2026 – Mediterranean Writing Campus
The Mediterranean Writing Campus is a short-term international residency dedicated to supporting emerging playwrights from the Mediterranean region who work in the field of contemporary dramatic writing. The 2026 edition explores the theme:
“Who leaves and returns — what will remain of their trace?”
This theme invites artists to reflect on ideas of migration, memory, identity, belonging, and cultural exchange. Participants are encouraged to develop original theatre texts inspired by these concepts and to explore the personal and collective narratives that shape Mediterranean identities.
The residency will take place from May 30 to June 8, 2026, and will gather playwrights, translators, and young actors in a collaborative creative environment. The selected artists will participate in a laboratory-style program where their works-in-progress are developed through discussions, dramaturgical guidance, translation sessions, and staged readings.
Three playwrights will be selected for the program. Each participant will work on a theatrical project during the residency while collaborating with professional translators and drama students. The opening pages of each project will be translated into French and explored collectively during workshop sessions. The residency culminates in a public staged reading, presenting the texts to an audience of theatre professionals, artists, and cultural organizations.
Participants will also gain access to La Chartreuse’s extensive resources, including its theatre library, dramaturgical mentorship, and opportunities for reflection and peer exchange.
Categories
- Theatre
- Playwriting
- Dramatic Writing
- Performing Arts
- Literary Arts
Eligibility
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- The call is open to playwrights residing and working regularly in the Mediterranean region, specifically in one of the following countries:
- Syria
- Lebanon
- Egypt
- Libya
- Tunisia
- Morocco
- Algeria
- Applicants should be actively engaged in dramatic writing or theatre creation.
- Perfect fluency in French is not required, but applicants must be able to communicate at a basic conversational level in French.
- Applicants must be available for the entire residency period (May 30 – June 8, 2026).
- Each candidate must submit a new theatre project inspired by the theme of the program.
The program specifically seeks to support contemporary Arabic-language playwrights, whose work is still underrepresented in translation and international theatrical circulation.
Program Benefits & Awards
Each selected playwright will receive:
- €700 gross grant to support their participation and creative work.
- Round-trip international travel to France.
- Local transportation related to the residency program.
- Visa support and travel insurance (if applicable).
- Accommodation at La Chartreuse with access to kitchen facilities and Wi-Fi.
- Dramaturgical mentoring and artistic guidance throughout the residency.
- Translation of excerpts of their work into French.
- Collaboration with theatre students and actors for staged readings.
- Public presentation of their work in progress to a professional audience.
The grant is intended to cover subsistence costs, local travel, and project-related expenses during the residency.
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit the following documents:
- Motivation letter (maximum 2 pages).
- Completed and signed the application form.
- Presentation of the proposed theatre project related to the theme (maximum 2 pages).
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) including bibliography (maximum 2 pages).
- Copy of passport.
- A significant text or excerpt that has been recently published or performed (PDF format).
- Proof of residence in one of the eligible countries.
How to Apply?
Applications must be submitted by email and sent simultaneously to the following addresses:
- diego.torres-sarroi@chartreuse.org
- production@chartreuse.org
- info@fanakfund.org
Subject line:Application – SM26 Residency
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 18 March 2026
- Residency Period: May 30 – June 8, 2026
- Public Presentation / Reading: During the residency period
Location
France
Additional Details
The program aims to strengthen the visibility and circulation of contemporary Arabic-language theatre texts. By combining writing development, translation, and performance experimentation, the campus provides a unique opportunity for playwrights to test and refine their work in a collaborative setting.
The selection committee—composed of representatives from La Chartreuse, Fonds Fanak, the Maison Antoine Vitez, and associated artists—will evaluate applications. Their decision is final, and individual feedback will not be provided to unsuccessful applicants.
Participants will also have the opportunity to connect with international theatre professionals and fellow artists from across the Mediterranean, making the residency both a creative and networking platform.