Year 2002

Iwona, Princess of Burgundy

During the creation of this play, two distinct groups began to crystallize within Teatr Brama. The “newcomers” had not previously performed any major roles, appearing only in minor episodes in the latest version of The Soldier of the Queen of Madagascar. Aside from a short collection of etudes called Szłość samojedna, this group was often “set aside for later,” without a specific plan for them. They became known as the Acolytes of Teatr Brama.

The play was a form of protest against societal expectations and conventions. As stated in a program note written by an anonymous “Close Observer”:

“We want to oppose boundless forms, conventions, and schemes instilled in young people, often without clear justification. ‘Why must I only like the beautiful? Can’t I like the ugly? Where is it written? Where is this law I am supposed to obey, like some soulless organ, instead of a free human being?’ the Prince asks in the play. This rebellion by the Prince against mimetic law, which dictates a chosen one, is treated universally by us. How many young people are forced to act against their hearts and will, simply because ‘IT MUST BE DONE.’ Oh, enough! While creating this play, we experienced beautiful moments we now wish to share, to show how wonderful this thing called THEATER is.”

“This was my return to Gombrowicz. While performing in the school theater of XIV High School in Szczecin, I played King Ignatius. Gombrowicz became close to my heart. I thought that after years, I understood him better and should inspire the next generation with his work. I remember the set design: a piece of red carpet, 20 x 40 cm.” (Daniel Jacewicz, August 24, 2020)

• First performance date: June 14, 2002
• Last performance date: November 10, 2002
• Number of performances: 7

Jubilee

Chekhov’s Jubilee was Teatr Brama’s first attempt at creating a “by-the-book” theatrical production. After earlier, more spontaneous works, there arose a need for true theatrical craftsmanship. The rehearsals were challenging, as this type of work did not come naturally to the actors, but it ultimately yielded highly positive results—primarily a honed acting craft and substantive knowledge of theatrical work that proved useful in later projects.

The premiere cast featured Julia Chabraszewska, Anna Pawel (later replaced by Alina Czyżewska and Malwina Szwaczyk), Paweł Danilewicz, and Marek Kościółek. The production did not resemble an alternative, young, engaged theater. Looking back, it was an excellent exercise in detail. The roles were developed with great precision, fostering theatrical craftsmanship. (Daniel Jacewicz, August 24, 2020)

• First performance date: July 2, 2002
• Last performance date: April 24, 2010
• Number of performances: 15

IV BRAMAT

The 2002 BRAMAT was special, as Brama celebrated its five-year anniversary (marking its years as Teatr Brama—later anniversaries counted from the group’s informal beginnings in 1996). Additionally, in the fall of 2001, one of the first organizations uniting independent theaters in Poland—the Theatre Union—was established. This organization became the symbolic foundation for the later West Pomeranian OFFensive Theatre movement.

That year, BRAMAT also became an international festival, featuring groups from Germany, Lithuania, and Latvia, as well as a group including individuals with disabilities. For the first time, a festival newspaper, Teatr Mundi, was introduced—a name that would be used in many subsequent festival editions.

In celebration of the anniversary, Brama’s plays were performed in a “green light” convention: Iwona, Princess of Burgundy was presented in a self-ironic, erotically charged version with Marek Kościółek, Paweł Danilewicz, Mariusz Tarnożek, and Julia Chabraszewska in female roles. The Party was performed at its most intense. Only Notes of a Red Army Officer was played in its usual form, as mocking its serious theme would have been inappropriate.

Statistics

• Events: 29, including:
  • Performances:
    • Notes of a Red Army Officer – 4
    • The Party – 6
    • Iwona, Princess of Burgundy – 7
    • Jubilee – 10
  • Other events: 2