An ISTA festival is an immersive, story-driven theatre experience where young people from around the world come together to collaborate, create, and perform. Rooted in ensemble-based practice and guided by professional artists, ISTA festivals empower students to express themselves, take creative risks, and develop their performance skills. Each festival is framed by a central story or theme, encouraging participants to explore global issues, cultural perspectives, and their own artistic voice through collaborative theatre-making.

The ISTA Terezin Memorial High School Festival is a unique and deeply meaningful event, taking place at one of the world’s most powerful sites of remembrance and learning. Held at the former Theresienstadt Concentration Camp, this festival invites students to explore the role of creativity and the arts in times of hardship. Participants will live and work on site, engaging with survivor testimonies, historical artefacts, and the art, music, and theatre created during internment. Through three immersive tours—of the small fortress, the former ghetto, and the museum—students will gain a profound understanding of the human spirit and use theatre as a tool for reflection, remembrance, and hope.

Please note that this event may present challenges for participants with mobility concerns. The cultural experience tours and site visits require a great deal of walking. Many of the historic buildings used for the event have steps up and long flights of stairs. Please contact the event manager if you would like more information regarding accessibility.