Photo by Jakub Wittchen
The play's set employed a spectacular mobile set design, special lighting effects and multimedia projections. "Planet Lem" is a production based on various works of Polish science fiction writer, Stanisław Lem.
Lem was a writer of international acclaim whose 1961 novel "Solaris" was made into a film three times (Director Steven Soderbergh's version starred George Clooney and Natascha McElhone). "Planet Lem" marks the first theatrical adaptation of his works. The production features a futuristic set as well as themes and characters from the broad spectrum of writings by an author whose works have been translated into 41 different languages.
The "Planet Lem" performance was a co-production of Teatr Biuro Podróży from Poznań and Adam Mickiewicz Institute. For more information on the Poznań-based theatre group founded by Paweł Szkotak, see the full article on TBP.
Running under the motto 'culture for all', the Berlin Lacht! is a non-profit organisation founded by professional artists in 2004, which promotes street-art and culture and aims to further facilitate European integration. Their drama, music and dance festival promotes street art in public spaces (this year's performance takes place in Berlin's Alexanderplatz) with body arts, mime, clowning, juggling, and performance art making for an energetic and exciting programme with over a 100 international artistic groups. The events, which are open to all, are frequented by around 10,000 spectators annually and run alongside workshops and youth programmes. In particular, there are artist-in-residence programmes, internships and artistic exchanges for young people.
Last year's guests included "Olga" a leopard print clad performance artist, accompanied by her trusty pig, an ambitious UK puppet show, fire and mask dances from Bengal, art installations from Spain's art duo Guixot de 8, and acrobatics master "Manic Freak".
Co-produced by the Adam Mickiewicz Institute, Teatr Biuro Podróży's showings take place in Brussels, Paris, London, Berlin, Madrid, Moscow, Kiev, and Beijing
Date: 4th-5th of August, 2011
Venue: Alexanderplatz
Organised by: the Adam Mickiewicz Institute
Project cofinanced by the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage of the Republic of Poland.
Teatr Biuro Podróży's production of "Planet Lem" is a Flagship Project of the Polish Presidency of the EU Council. For more information on the production, see: "Planet Lem"
Source: Adam Mickiewicz Institute