From 2026 onwards, SPAM Studios will officially contribute to the international development of the Festival for Authorial Theatre (FAT), marking a new chapter in the growth of the organization. Each year, SPAM Studios’ performances are part of international festivals, and over time the organization has accumulated significant experience on the international stage. Ana Bateva, the manager of SPAM Studios, has attended multiple international showcases, as well as theatre criticism residencies in Albania and Slovakia, experiences that have contributed to the development of her critical perspective and curatorial approach over the years.
At the end of February, she will also participate in the Capacity Building Training for Cultural Operators in Italy, which is just the beginning of SPAM Studios’ expanded international engagement. Within the framework of the program, Ana will present the festival to international cultural operators, foster strategic partnerships, and position FAT within a broader European theatre context.
The Festival for Authorial Theatre – FAT 2026 will celebrate its seventh edition from November 25–29, 2026, expanding into a five-day program across two venues: ART House, hosting site-specific performances, and TOPLOCENTRALA, where the festival has been based in recent years.
The new vision emphasizes socially engaged and politically conscious authorial performances. In addition to theatrical presentations, the program includes creative workshops and professional discussions following each performance, fostering dialogue between artists, audiences, and cultural professionals. An Open Call for participation will also be announced.
The festival was founded by the Creators Association, which for six consecutive years has nurtured, developed, and established it as a platform for innovative theatrical forms and authorial voices. Building upon this strong foundation created over the years, SPAM Studios will further expand the festival’s international connections, professional networks, and long-term sustainability strategy.
FAT 2026 is the only festival in Bulgaria specifically focused on inclusive cultural practices, consistently providing sign language interpretation to ensure accessibility for people with disabilities. The project has secured funding from the Sofia Municipality under the “Significant Events” program and is actively seeking international partnerships for its continued growth and development.
