International Biennale IX Theatre Meetings – Therapy and Theatre

This was a very successful performance of ours. We staged our spectacle entitled The Trial 3, based on the motives of Franz Kafka’s novel, within the frameworks of the Festival, on the Great Scene in the New Theatre in Łódź. Organisers gave us a lot of time for preparation. Thanks to the help of our volunteers – Ms Joanna Ganczarek and Ms ewelina Gebert – the lights and sound were set just perfect. Actors could focus and calm down. They concentrated on their roles with no rush, or nerves. Audience watched Joseph K.’s story with great interest. When the lights went off, they were surprised that they already had to say goodbye to the characters. This peculiar want for more was perhaps the best possible complement for us.

We received a lot of commendations and congratulations. Mature acting, coherent construction of scenography, lights, and sound were especially emphasised. Professor Jana Pilatova, our loyal viewer, was the first one to appear in the backstage. She praised the performance, and encouraged to further work. “These sad topics are enough. Of course, comedy and art of amusing the audience is the most difficult genre of theatre, but I see that you are ready to undertake this challenge’ she said. The Festival was incredibly interesting, and its schedule was diverse. We watched a lot of spectacles, from serious and very difficult for interpretation (Midsummer Night’s dream of the Arka Theatre, Fantom by the Officium Theatre), to light, and entertaining (Peter Pan performed by film school from Łódź, Chocolate pie by Mezzanin Theatre from Austria, or performances of children theatres). There was also a street performance (the “Continuo” Theatre from Czech Republic), dance one (“Z 6” Theatre from Belgium, amazing theatrical show with live music performed by Remont Pomp band of the “Razem” Theatre). According to the tradition of the previous editions, there were workshops for therapists held, as well as a conference organised by the Institute of Theory of Literature, Theatre and Audiovisual Arts of the University of Łódź.

It is worth mentioning that our accommodation was in a resort in Arturówek, which is a fabulous oasis of greenery and peace, nearly in the very heart of the town. We returned full of impressions, new contacts made there, and very proud of our artistic achievements.

Official website of the Festival               Website of the Poleski Art Center

 

 

Photo gallery from the Festival