Full Circle in Skopje: A Grand Finale for V4 Improv Connect
After many incredible months, dozens of shows, countless laughs, and unforgettable moments, the V4 Improv Connect tour came to a heartfelt close in Skopje, North Macedonia.
This final stop wasn’t just the last show on the calendar—it was the emotional culmination of a journey that began in Bratislava and took us across cities, stages, languages, and borders. And somehow, it all came together in a way that felt… full circle.
A Tour That Began in Slovakia… and Ended on Slovak Soil
Back in April 2024, the project kicked off in Bratislava with an intensive 6-day artistic retreat where a diverse, multinational group of improvisers, actors, and theatre makers developed two original long-form formats: Tabloids and Impro Therapy. Since then, these formats have toured Prague, Lublin, Budapest, and finally—Skopje. (They even premiered internationally in Singapore!)
What made this final stop feel so poetic was that it concluded with a warm reception at the Slovak Embassy in Skopje, graciously hosted by H.E. Ambassador Henrik Markuš and Mrs. Žanet Markušová, who also attended our show at KIC – Salon 1919. The same Slovak roots that gave this project its start welcomed us at the finish line. It was a powerful and fitting end.
Collaborating with FDU Skopje
The Skopje tour was more than just a performance—it was a celebration of learning, sharing, and cultural exchange. On November 29, Hon Chong, artistic director of Funnylicious Theater and the creator and vision behind this project, led a dynamic workshop at the Faculty of Dramatic Arts (FDU) Skopje, introducing students to the use of improv in acting.
Then, on Saturday, Láďa Karda, our Czech partner and seasoned improviser, facilitated a public improv workshop, welcoming participants of all backgrounds to explore spontaneity, creativity, and connection through improv.
These sessions not only empowered local performers but also planted the seeds for a growing improv community in Skopje—where the art form is still relatively new and undiscovered.
A Beautiful Closing Performance
On the evening of November 30, the international cast—featuring performers from Slovakia, Hungary, Czechia, Poland, North Macedonia, and beyond—took to the stage at KIC Skopje Salon 1919 to perform our two beloved formats. The audience, which included first-time viewers, theatre lovers, local journalists, and representatives from the Slovak Embassy, filled the room with laughter, curiosity, and heartfelt connection.
This performance didn’t just mark the end of a tour—it marked the beginning of something lasting: new friendships, new collaborations, and a deeper understanding of how improv can unite us across cultures and borders.
Gratitude and Looking Ahead
We are incredibly grateful to our Skopje host and official partner, ITI – Macedonian Center of the International Theatre Institute, especially Ivanka Apostolova Baskar, for organizing this tour stop with such passion and care.
Special thanks to our project partners:
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Funnylicious Theater (Slovakia)
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Itt és Most Társulat & Flow Theatre (Hungary)
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České národní improvizační divadlo (Czechia)
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Teatr Wschodni (Poland)
The team from Teatr Wschodni beautifully summed up what this moment means:
“We are convinced that the relationships established with foreign improv theatres and the multinational ensemble created through this project will continue to grow. The recently concluded project is only the beginning of future collaborations under the European Capital of Culture program in Lublin 2029.”
What This Project Meant
The V4 Improv Connect project set out to do something ambitious:
– Elevate improv as a legitimate art form
– Create long-lasting artistic collaborations
– Empower local communities with training and access
– Tell stories that reflect the humor, heart, and humanity of local cultures
And we did it—together.
What’s Next?
Although the official tour has ended, the story continues:
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A reunion performance is already in the works for Bratislava in 2025
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Tabloids and Improv Therapy will continue touring festivals across Europe and beyond
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More workshops, exchanges, and collaborations are being planned in partner cities
Because when you build something with passion, collaboration, and heart—it doesn’t end. It evolves.
From Bratislava to Skopje, from a bold idea to a full-circle finale—thank you to every partner, performer, host, student, audience member, and supporter who made this dream possible.
Here’s to more shows, more laughter, and more beautiful moments of connection. 💖
Stay spontaneous. Stay connected.
#V4ImprovConnect #visegradfund #V4 #improv #theatre
Want to Be Part of the Next Chapter?
Follow Funnylicious Theater and V4 Improv Connect for updates on upcoming performances, workshops, and festival appearances.
Project Partners:
- Funnylicious Theater (Slovakia)
- Itt és Most Társulat (Hungary)
- České národní improvizační divadlo (Czechia)
- Fundacja Teatr Wschodni (Poland)
- Macedonian Center of International Theater Institute (North Macedonia)
Unofficial Partners:
- IGLU Theatre (Slovenia)
- Flow Theater (Hungary)
Contact Information:
hello@isac-eu.org
The project is co-financed by the Governments of Czechia, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia through Visegrad Grants from the International Visegrad Fund. The mission of the fund is to advance ideas for sustainable regional cooperation in Central Europe.
