After the fall – A Theatre Project to the Fall of the Wall – Europe after 1989 - Theatres - Teatr Polski

Teatr Polski
Bydgoszcz, Poland

Founded in 1920

The Teatr Polski in Bydgoszcz was established as the city theatre in 1920, although its roots go back to the eighteenth century.

Under artistic director Paweł Łysak, the Teatr Polski in Bydgoszcz has gained a reputation as one of the leading Polish theatre venues for cutting edge productions exploring current social and political issues. The productions are developed as thematic projects, not simply leading to a premiere but also integrating workshops, discussions, installations and other performances.

Working with a wide range of actors and staff, the spectrum of productions runs from radical, politically committed plays to near-fine art experiments in form. The plays staged include contemporary dramas as well as reinterpretations of Polish and world classic drama. The theatre often present plays at international festivals and hosts visiting companies.

When asked about his approach, Paweł Łysak said: "I would like Teatr Polski Bydgoszcz to become a forum where pertinent issues are presented and debate initiated – and that idea is best served by our projects.

Each project comprises a set of events that TPB produce and organise, addressing one problem defined by a guiding idea. Apart from the premieres, a project includes lectures, workshops, panel discussions, exhibitions, conferences, concerts, art campaigns and film. In this way, our theatre invites audience to discuss those selected issues that are, at that time, vital in our social life or significant in art.

I would like our projects to have an educational and informative function, and also introduce audiences to the issues in the proposed plays. Most importantly, though, we want to stimulate an exchange of views and provoke discussions, to provide a focus to unite diverse groups and draw attention to the problems relevant to all of us today.“