Beyond Broadway! Great Theater Cities Around the World Chris Caggiano October 5, 2022 Arts & History, Interests, International Travel, Travel Tips We have so many entertainment options these days, it’s an embarrassment of riches. But with all the streaming and surfing we do online, it’s easy to forget the power of live theater. Not just being connected to other people in attendance, but to feel the electricity of witnessing live performers as well. But contrary to what you might hear from New York theater cognoscenti, there’s a lot more to theater than what you can see in Manhattan. The world is full of wonderful theater cities inviting you to break out beyond the geographical limits of Broadway. In theater, audiences are not only entertained, they also place themselves in the heart of a city’s cultural traditions and grow closer to the people of their destination. The following locations are our picks for the most fabulous theater cities in the world. So grab some round-trip tickets and check out these urban centers that cater to those with a love for the lively arts. London London by Pedro Szekely is licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0 London is arguably an even better theater city than New York City. Compared to shows in the Big Apple, London productions tend to be more affordable because of government subsidies for the arts. London theatergoers are often impressed by the great diversity of entertainment options at their disposal. While travelers with an affinity for Shakespeare can head to the Globe, those interested in a more modern theater experience can visit any number of theaters in the West End. Off West End theater companies, such as the Donmar Warehouse and the Menier Chocolate Factory, cater to those with tastes slightly outside of mainstream trends. (Trust us, despite the odd names, these are actual London theater companies.) Travelers looking to expand their horizons even further can visit the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Typically held in the summer, the Edinburgh Fringe brings thousands of performers from dozens of countries to the streets of Edinburgh, where they impress audiences with performances as diverse as comedy routines and cabaret shows. Tokyo Kabuki Theater by lensonjapan licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0 Tokyo’s theater scene offers an wide range of genres for those with a eclectic tastes. When most people think of Japanese theater, they are instantly reminded of Kabuki, dramatic takes on classic Japanese stories and major events in the country’s history, combining dance with amazing costumes. Another important part of Japanese theater rooted in the country’s past is Bunraku, puppet performances set to music that require intense training and great dedication. Like any modern metropolis, Tokyo also offers choices for those with more contemporary tastes. The Shimokitazawa area of the city is home to countless smaller theaters for those interested in modern forms of storytelling. The Carrot Tower in the Sangenjaya neighborhood is also home to a theater that hosts everything from dance competitions to stand-up comedy nights. Athens Odeon of Herodes Atticus in Athens by George E. Koronaios licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0 Theater was virtually invented in Ancient Greece, or, if not invented, certainly codified and perfected. Visitors to Athens will get the chance to experience the delights of classical theater in one of the oldest cities in the world. Home to 148 stages, the most of any city in the world, Athens has a powerful theater tradition that comes with a mix of both the old and new. Of Athens’ many theaters, quite a few are ancient open-air amphitheaters, providing visitors with a powerful link to Greece’s storied past. One such structure, the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, hosts the Athens & Epidaurus Festival, a celebration that presents mainstays of classical literature, such as Sophocles’ Antigone and Aeschylus’ The Oresteia. Along with performances of the classics, visitors to Athens can also find theaters catering to those with more modern tastes, such as the Dora Stratou Dance Theater and the National Theatre of Greece. Toronto Royal Alexandra Theatre by Tony Hisgett is licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0 Toronto’s theater history is one of the most storied in the world. The city’s Royal Alexandra Theatre is North America’s longest-operating theater. What makes Toronto’s theater scene so attractive to visitors is that it is a frequent stop on tours of noteworthy Broadway shows, allowing audiences to see these performances at a much cheaper rate than in New York. While Toronto might be known for its mainstream performing arts centers, it is also home to the Toronto Fringe Festival, which spotlights performers just getting their start in the entertainment industry. From April to October, visitors can enjoy performances at the Stratford Festival, about an hour and a half outside of Toronto. One of the first arts festivals in Canada, the Stratford is known throughout the world for its first-rate productions of Shakespeare’s plays,, the comic operas of Gilbert and Sullivan, and other significant works, both classical and contemporary. Bogotá, Colombia Colón Theater, Bogotá Bogotá is quickly transforming into one of the biggest centers of live entertainment in Latin America. Bogotá is best known for the Festival Iberoamericano de Teatro de Bogotá, a 16-day celebration that features performers from countries from across the globe. In past years, more than 800 shows have been performed in venues throughout Colombia, with some even popping up in city parks. Alongside traditional performance pieces are colorful parades that highlight the creativity of Bogotá’s artistic community. While the centerpiece of Bogotá’s theater culture might be the Festival Iberoamericano de Teatro, the city also has several other spots that offer a more classical theater experience. Among them is the Teatro de Cristóbal Colón, Colombia’s national theater renowned for its opera and orchestra performances. You Might Also Like: New to Travel? Here Are 6 International Cities You Need to Explore! Grahamstown, South Africa The Giant Match by Kim Nowacki licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0 Grahamstown, South Africa treats visitors to the largest arts festival in Africa. Celebrated annually, the Grahamstown Arts Festival honors all aspects of the performing arts, from mainstream acts like opera and drama to fringe works like street performances. While the festival has its roots in celebrations held by colonial forces in the early 1800s, the modern festival became famous for performers using it as a way to creatively protest against apartheid. Held over the course of 11 days at the end of June and early July each year, the Grahamstown Arts Festival attracts over 50,000 international attendees who have the chance to enjoy 500 performances from a multitude of styles and genres. Did we leave out your favorite city for live theater? Let us know in the comments below!
