Verona in the Center of the World: The City of Romeo and Juliet Hosts the 12th World Shakespeare Congress

Verona, the eternal backdrop of love and tragedy in Shakespeare's plays, is becoming a global capital of literary studies and performing arts. The 12th World Shakespeare Congress is launching in the city—an event that unites the brightest minds, theatrical directors, and researchers from all continents.

This year, the forum, which is being held on Italian soil for the first time, is dressed in the ambitious motto "Planetary Shakespearians." The focus is not only on the past, but on how the spirit of the great dramatist resonates in today's rapidly changing world. Discussions will traverse the complex threads of ecological crises, humanitarian challenges, and—most topical today—the influence of the technological revolution.

One of the most interesting aspects of the congress is the exploration of the role of artificial intelligence. Scholars will examine how AI can be a powerful ally in text analysis and translation, while simultaneously posing the critical question: how can we preserve the authentic human reading and emotional depth that only a human can invest in the interpretation of a classic?

The opening of the event is dedicated to the magic of language—through an exhibition of translations that allows visitors to see how the same thought is transformed when it crosses the boundaries of cultures and linguistic traditions. The program, which will continue until July 26, promises to turn the historic center of Verona into a living stage, filled with theatrical productions, film screenings, and intense international cultural dialogue.