Photo: Wrocław Mime Theatre archieve.
20 November marks the 94th birth anniversary of Henryk Tomaszewski (20 November 1919–23 September 2001)– prominent artist who made an outstanding contribution to the development of European theatre and was the forefather of group mime. In the words of the Wrocław Mime Theatre’s members “the extraordinariness of his artistic achievements is on a par with the extraordinariness of his notions of art and life. Tomaszewski’s belief that movement constitutes the ultimate praise of life best reflects the essence of his artistic endeavour, while his ideas are still alive today, shaping the theatre’s operations”.
The theatre is going to celebrate the jubilee with the following special events:
– 15-17 November 2013 (7 pm): Presentations of the performance Szatnia[Cloakroom], directed by Zbigniew Szymczyk, which is inspired by Tomaszewski’s performances and features reconstructed fragments of a few projects conceived by the Wrocław Mime Theatre’s founder. The project is both a challenge and a tribute to Tomaszewski; it gives today’s audience a chance to learn about the art and philosophy of the outstanding artist that the founder of the Wrocław Mime Theatre undoubtedly was. Because of the jubilee, tickets to the performances are available at the special price of PLN 15. Bookings: a.paluch@pantomima.wroc.pl. Venue: Polski Theatre in Wrocław (Large Stage), ul. G. Zapolskiej 3.
–18 November (6 pm): As part of the Krzywa Bajka[Crooked Fairytale] project, actresses of the Wrocław Mime Theatre – Agnieszka Charkot and Agnieszka Dziewa – will meet the public. The meeting is open for all interested parties. Venue: Centre for Social Education [Centrum Edukacji Społecznej], Integration Centre in Brochów [Ośrodek Integracyjny CES na Brochowie], ul. Koreańska 1A (enter from ul. Chińska)
Krzywa Bajkais a series of meetings and drama workshops for the pupils of Primary School No. 80 in Wrocław’s Brochów district, which will conclude with the staging of a show under the same title. Thanks to the project, the children have already seen Mikrokosmos[Microcosm] at the Wrocław Mime Theatre. This time round they are set to make more theatrical discoveries meeting and talking to the theatre’s actresses. Admission free; all participants will receive gifts from the organisers.
– 20 November (7 pm): Multimedia screenings of archive materials presenting the work, ideas and fragments of performances of Henryk Tomaszewski. Agnieszka Charkot, the Warsaw Mime Theatre’s literary secretary, will chair a panel discussion. The meeting takes place at the theatre’s headquarters (al. Dębowa 16).
