Year 2017
Psyrcle
Psyrcle was a play created by a group of EVS program volunteers under the directorial guidance of Daniel. The idea originated in December 2016 when the volunteers, together with Aleksandra Stanio, presented a kind of poetry evening to the Theatre team. Sitting in a semicircle, they read poems that held personal significance to them. Among the audience, this evoked associations with group therapy sessions, inspiring the main concept of the play.
A group of undefined individuals meets in an unspecified place and time for a vague purpose—part therapy, part social gathering. The characters include four men: Malik Meyer, resembling someone returning from a dance; Wojciech Rosiński, a weary businessman; Joshua Engel, akin to a jester; and Nikon Miedviediev, dressed in a gown with a green bow in his hair. Two women join them: the sensual Paloma de la Fuente and Judith Ferreras, the most significant figure in the room—possibly a psychiatrist or perhaps the event’s host. Judith organizes several exercises to entertain and support the emotionally drained individuals. Despite her efforts, each activity ends in failure, and the group members eventually break down one by one. Finally, as the characters sit in a circle singing Eddie Vedder’s Society in broken English, someone casually suggests, “So, same time next week?”
This play marked the stage debut of Wojciech Rosiński, who continues collaborating with the Theatre in various roles, including as a technician, actor, musician, and archivist, while also supporting the Association’s operations.
- First Performance Date: January 20, 2017
- Last Performance Date: August 27, 2017
- Number of Performances: 11
Ghost Dance
Ghost Dance is one of Theatre Brama’s most significant productions, similar to Feeling in Sound, focusing primarily on song, music, and raw emotion. The play’s development was delayed for years due to a hectic project schedule. Finally, in late 2016, a team of actors from various previous productions began working together. Within six months, the play was complete.
The minimalist stage design features two large suspended frame drums resembling celestial bodies in the darkened theatre, scattered musical instruments, and mirrored acoustic and bass guitars at the back of the stage. The play opens with a Corsican polyphonic song about love for the sea, followed by a young man aggressively reciting the preamble to the U.S. Declaration of Independence. A sonic and visual chaos erupts, transitioning into a healing Native American chant.
The play has no fixed narrative; instead, it is a collage of scenes depicting historical and global events—burning cities of the Middle East, suffering populations in communist Asia, and the apathy of the First World. Central to the play is the Ghost Dance, a Native American ritual protesting U.S. government oppression, culminating in the massacre at Wounded Knee.
The play continues to evolve and has been performed in both Polish and English, including a reduced version in Australia. In 2019, the Theatre’s core team visited Wounded Knee, South Dakota, encountering a Sioux leader, Kelly Looking Horse, adding a profound connection to their work.
- First Performance Date: March 3, 2017
- Last Performance Date: September 4, 2020
- Number of Performances: 44
Meduza
Following the disbandment of the Fakeryzm crew due to personal and educational commitments, a new group emerged, guided by Daniel. Meduza, loosely inspired by The Waiting Room, marked the stage debut of this new generation. A running joke was that Nikon, a Ukrainian actor, spoke the best Polish among the cast.
The play explores themes of youth and identity, symbolized by the “jellyfish”—youth adrift, passive, and lacking direction. Through discussions and self-reflection, the group critiques their reality while contemplating the potential for creativity and individuality in shaping the future.
- First Performance Date: April 1, 2017
- Last Performance Date: November 11, 2017
- Number of Performances: 8
Social Dance (Teatr Brama Band)
The Theatre maintained strong ties with the Goleniów Wood & Brass Band, collaborating on parades and performances. After leaving the orchestra, some members formed a new group, debuting as Social Dance on April 8, 2017, following a Ghost Dance performance. The group became a regular feature at festivals and events, evolving over time and collaborating with folk music expert Jacek Hałas since 2019.
Mine
Mine was a reflective play by Theatre Index, portraying the memories and youth of a group of senior women. Set in a café, the characters reminisced about places, stories, and songs from their lives. The production featured accordionist Piotr Ochota and was later adapted for an outdoor performance during the BRAMAT festival.
- First Performance Date: April 29, 2017
- Last Performance Date: October 20, 2017
- Number of Performances: 6
9th Longings Festival
The youth festival continued to grow, with esteemed jurors and notable performances from groups like Forma (Słupsk) and Tetraedr (Racibórz). Theatre Brama showcased its productions, culminating in Ghost Dance.
Holstebro Festuge 2017
Through Caravan Next, Theatre Brama participated in Denmark’s Holstebro Festuge, organized by Odin Teatret. The team worked on Wild Cards, parades, and events, presenting Ghost Dance and impressing with their energy and creativity.
7th EVS
The seventh group of EVS volunteers arrived in Goleniów in 2017, contributing to projects like Natura morte. While some volunteers left prematurely, the team adapted, fostering a dynamic and diverse creative environment.
Adult Group Formation
In 2017, Daniel initiated a new adult theatre group (ages 25–60), incorporating parents of Theatre members and former actors. The group’s first production, Exit, premiered in 2019.