(ANSA) - UDINE, 15 APR - The 35th Mittelfest, a major Central European and Balkan festival of theater, music, dance, and circus, will focus on the theme of 'Fear' from July 16 to 26 in Cividale del Friuli (Udine). It will be preceded by Mittelyoung, Europe's only festival for under-30 artists, from May 14 to 17. The festival brings together 32 artistic projects from 16 countries and premieres 20 works, both worldwide and nationally, showcasing its multidisciplinary focus on theater, music, dance, and circus in Central and Southeastern Europe. Meanwhile, young curators select and present nine performances by artists under 30 for Mittelyoung. The lineup features 'Una Traviata da cortile' by Alessandro Baricco; the world premiere of 'Era di maggio,' marking the 50th anniversary of the Friuli earthquake, with text by Flavio Santi, music by Orchestra Corelli, and Alessio Boni; 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde' (directed by Fabio Condemi, with Cristian La Rosa); 'Chi perdona' by the Nezirajs; and 'Una madre coraggio' with Laura Marinoni. In music, Vasko Vassilev appears with the Covent Garden Soloists, and the dance bill presents 'Dialogues in the Dream' by Josef Nadj. The 2026 edition will mark the conclusion of Giacomo Pedini's two terms as artistic director. In his farewell remarks, he described how he strengthened the festival on the European, production, and generational fronts. "I am leaving behind a festival that is longer, more European, younger, and more productive," he said, highlighting the growth of Mittelyoung, the expansion of co-productions, and the return of attendance to pre-pandemic levels. (ANSA).