Polish Community Scene, photo by Grzegorz Ziemiański
The performance-lecture "Polska-scena-wspólnota"/ "Polish Community Scene" continues the tradition of socially engaged theatre, which has been developing in Poland simultaneously to the oeuvre of acclaimed mainstream theatre artists such as Krzysztof Warlikowski, Krystian Lupa and Grzegorz Jarzyna
The development of small local institutions is a remarkable achievement of Polish theatre of the last two decades. These institutions are often based in city hall venues and engage local inhabitants in their activities. Not only do they present theatre productions, but also contribute to building local bonds, and create a sense of community through active participation in culture.
These theatres unite two tradtitions of the past century, which have never before been so closely intertwined: a socially engaged movement which analyses and comments on contemporary issues meets the concept of theatre-laboratories, which define their goals in terms of self-development and the improvement of individual lives. Open to all, these institutions provide opportunities of exchange between professionals and amateurs, artists and audiences, as well as the local dwellers who become artists themselves. Local community theatres have yet to speak with a full voice of their own and await a conceptual frame and promotion outside of Poland.
As a modern form of artistic presentation, the performance-lecture transmits this phenomenon to audiences in five different capitals. The lecture series launched in Berlin, and apart from Kiev, the presentation travels to Moscow, Madrid and Minsk. The "Polska-scena-wspólnota"/ "Polish Community Scene" lecture employs visual projections and a musical score, providing 'entertainement' as well as food for thought. Lecture-performances can take on the form of a manifesto or become more of a dialogue with the audience. In addition to the lecture, English translations of a text on Teatr Łaźnia Nowa project will be given out to the audience.
The Ukrainian edition of lecture performances was hosted by Dakh Theatre
Date: 25th of November, 2011
Venue: Dakh Theatre, Kiev
Organised by: Teatr Łaźnia Nowa
Project cofinansed by the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage of Poland.
Source: Adam Mickiewicz Institute