Play | Refuge – Teatr Łątek | Polish Sign Language

“We looked at the world and talked. I mostly asked, and he answered… A conversation between a local and a stranger…”. The play  invites us on a poignant journey through places, landscapes, circumstances, and stories from Podlasie, most of which no longer exist.

Time has swirled, leaving its mark on the landscape of Podlasie. Haystacks, wooden fences, and horse-drawn carts have faded from view, replaced by an unsettling emptiness on the benches where the locals once gathered. Yet, a whisper of hope remains. Perhaps, the world is simply “different” now. Today, like before, it may be enough to stop, to sit down. Look around, see the surrounding space and beauty. Enter into a dialogue with nature and culture about what is imperishable.

Inspired by the 1984 photographic album “Wołkow,” Krzysztof Ziemla’s “Matecznik” pays homage to the artistry of Wiktor Wołkow, Edward Redliński, and Andrzej Strumiłło. Ziemla, the fourth creative force, crafted a captivating stage experience using shadow and light techniques he’s honed throughout his career.

Fragmented stories unfold, each one illustrated by photographs. The audience is transported to a bygone era, listening to tales of fences, trees, crows, and the lifeblood of the region – the river. Teatr Łątek’s signature narration style blends seamlessly with the visuals, projected and animated on a variety of backgrounds. Through this immersive experience, viewers are prompted to contemplate the human condition. Questions about individuality, friendship, and the bittersweet reality of sadness intertwine with the beauty of simple, everyday moments.

Beyond the captivating photographs, the performance incorporates animations specially created by Agnieszka Waszczeniuk. This artist from Surpaśl, illustrator, screenwriter, and a master of animation with ground coffee, draws inspiration from Andrzej Strumiłło’s work, particularly his contributions to the original album. The set design, crafted by Ewa Zemło, artist, actress and co-founder of Teatr Łątek, complements the visual storytelling. Finally, Ania Broda’s original music provides the emotional backdrop, transporting the audience to the heart of the world captured in photographs.

Audience: 16+
Admission free. The number of seats is limited.