History

OISTAT – the International Organization of Scenographers, Technicians and Theatre Architects – was founded in 1968 in Prague as a non-governmental organization dedicated to professionals involved in the creation and support of performing arts: scenographers, theatre architects, technicians, teachers and researchers.

Against the geopolitical backdrop of a divided Europe, OISTAT had an essential mission from the outset: to facilitate the exchange of ideas between East and West, across the boundaries imposed by the Iron Curtain. The organization was originally known as the Organisation Internationale des Scénographes et Techniciens de Théâtre (OISTT).

The founding countries were: Czechoslovakia, Canada, Israel, Hungary, the German Democratic Republic, the Federal Republic of Germany and the United States of America. The International Theatre Institute (ITI) decisively supported the founding process.

The logo of the Romanian Centre of OISTT (International Organisation of Scenographers and Theatre Technicians), as featured on the back cover of the volume "Romania: Stage Design and Theatre Costume, XNUMX".

The 1972 Scenography Commission meeting, in Prague, Czechoslovakia.

Romania became a member in XNUMX, with the establishment of the Romanian Centre of OISTT. At a time of cultural isolation, the Centre provided a vital link between Romanian scenographers and the international theatre community.

The Centre enabled:

• The participation of Romanian artists in international exhibitions, congresses, and seminars

• The exchange of knowledge and professional expertise

• Dialogue with practitioners from other countries

The 1999 Congress in Prague, Czech Republic.

The organization operates through:

• National centers

• Associate members

• Individual members

1996 Executive Committee Meeting, Dresden, Germany.

The permanent headquarters, responsible for coordinating the organization’s day-to-day activities, have been based in:

• Prague, Czechoslovakia (1968-1993)

• Amsterdam, Netherlands (1993-2005)

• Taipei, Taiwan (since 2006)

Today, OISTAT brings together members from over 50 countries and operates through 6 specialized committees: Architecture, Education, Research, Performance Design, Publications & Communication, and Technology.

Teatrul magazine colloquium , “ On the agenda: Set design ”, with Dan Jitianu, Florica Mălureanu, Sanda Mușatescu, Dan Nemțeanu, Elena Pătrășcanu-Veakis, Vladimir Popov, Bucharest, 1971.

From left to right Dan Jitianu, Vladimir Popov, Florica Mălureanu.

Romania in the OISTAT network

Romania became a member in 1971 and remained actively involved in the organization’s projects until the early 2000s.

Among those who have served as presidents of the Romanian Centre of OISTAT are Liviu Ciulei, Paul Bortnovski, Traian Nițescu, Dan Jitianu, Nic Ularu, and Dragoș Buhagiar.

Following a hiatus of approximately two decades, the Romanian Centre of OISTAT was re-established in 2022, reaffirming Romania’s commitment to the international OISTAT network.

Today, the Centre has more than 60 members, including artists, architects, technicians, researchers, and educators—and develops a range of programmes for the professional community, including: International Program in Scenography (IPS) Bucharest Scenography Biennale (BSB) Alexandra Constantin Scholarship Stagebox – Theatre Technology Workshops for Young People Exhibitions, conferences, and workshops for students and professionals