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The Polish Theatre in Wrocław received more than 1.5 million PLN for the purpose of implementation of the “Including Minority” project in partnership with the Norwegian independent theatre called Company B. Valiente.
The project’s purpose is to open up to national minorities. In the city of Wrocław, our focus will be on the Ukrainian minority, while in Oslo – on the Polish minority. This project will consist of many activities, among others: organisation of professional theatre workshops for Ukrainian and Polish minorities, implementation of 2 international plays that will premiere in 2023, and celebration of the World Day for Cultural Diversity.
Our objective is to find out more about the minorities and to invite them to the theatre sphere on equal terms. As a result, persons from the Ukrainian and Polish minorities, who are not associated with theatre in professional capacity, will be the stage partners of professional actors. They will create 2 plays together, inspired by the Luigi
Pirandello’s drama called “Right you are (if you think so)”. In order to find out more about the life stories behind the Polish minority living in Oslo and the Ukrainian minority in Wrocław, we will carry out professional social research. Furthermore, the results obtained in this manner will be an inspiration for the scenario creation for these plays. As a result, the plot of the plays will be based on real events, experiences and problems. It will be real, significant and – most importantly – socially engaged.
“Right you are (if you think so)” by Luigi Pirandello obsessively revolves around the thin line between fantasy and truth. It demonstrates that truth depends on the context and that it is always subjective. The play’s action focuses on the conservative residents of a small town, who kind of unfavourably and with fear look at the newly arrived family. The behaviour of newly arrived residents, which does not conform to any known social norms, is perceived by the majority of other residents as subversive, dangerous and even morally questionable. The desperate need to reveal the truth about the newcomers is still very current, which is for instance exemplified by the Lars von Trier’s Dogville.
The above-mentioned drama constitutes an important inspiration for both plays, however their final effect depends on the directors: Gianluca Iumiento (Polish production) and Marcelino Martin Valiente (Norwegian production). Due to the fact that these artists present completely different theatrical styles, the final effect will surely be surprising.
Company B. Valiente is a Norwegian non-governmental organisation and an independent theatre that combines various trends and genres of contemporary art. The essential element of their research and interests is dance. Furthermore, they like to combine it with other forms of expression e.g. video, visual arts, performance, theatre, music and architecture. It was founded by French director Marcelino Martin Valiente and Norwegian choreographer Gunhild Bjørnsgaard. Over 25 years of their artistic activity, Company B. Valiente created many plays and individual projects, as well as co-created several international projects from the EEA Grant. As a result, their experience, independence and more carnal than verbal approach to theatre will significantly expand the artistic vision of micro communities, localities and minorities.
Polish production:
Gianluca Iumiento – director
He loves the truth in theatre and the audience is the most important component in his perspective on theatre. As a result, he does everything in order avoid “playing out” and creating situations that no one will believe in. Moreover, his work in theatre is very personal for him, because it is a meeting during which we open up and get closer to each other, as well as share our time and experiences. In Gianluca’s perspective, theatre is a room that allows us to try to find an answer for the following question: what does it mean to be human? It is a place where we can stage situations and demonstrate our problems, dreams, hopes and fears, where we can imagine ourselves in a completely different manner than we are every day. Furthermore, we may also stage our own world in such a manner that it becomes a model for the real world. Privately, he is a husband, a father of three children and travel enthusiast.
Norwegian production
Marcelino Martin Valiente – director
He is a graduate of the Jacques Lecoq International School of Theatre (Paris), the Charles Dullin Theatre School (Paris) and the University of Reims (Psychology and Theatre). Currently, he works as a choreographer, film and theatre director, as well as teaches at the art schools (drama, dance, performance, etc.). Furthermore, he has been developing a project called “Penscéniques” for several years, in which he studies the words and movement caused by conflicts that may arise between the mind and the body.
From his perspective, art is the highest form of consolation and joy. During adolescence period, it allowed him to feel less lonely in the surrounding world.
Gunhild Bjørnsgaard – producentka
Among others, she studied at the Oslo National Academy of the Arts / Academy of Dance and the Jacques Lecoq International School of Theatre. In her individual work, as well as her professional activity with various groups, she combines dance, music, theatre, video art and architecture. In the course of recent years, she has worked on various projects challenging the correlation between dance and music. From her perspective, art is a study of multiple aspects of life that allows to activate capacity for reflection, creativity and beauty. Furthermore, it provides hope in everyday life.
Total cost of the project (grant + own contribution):
1 808 284.25 PLN / 403 986.56 €
Amount of the grant:
1 537 041.61 PLN / 343 388.58 €
Own contribution:
271 242.65 PLN / 60 597.98 €
The “Including Minority” project is implemented using the Financial Mechanism of the European Economic Area (FM EEA) 2014–2021 and the Ministry of Culture and National
Heritage. The purpose of the EEA Grant is to develop cultural cooperation between the creators and participants of cultural life, as well as to strengthen bilateral relations between the Polish institutions and the institutions from Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein.
(source: https://eogkultura.mkidn.gov.pl/pages/dzialania/dzialanie-ii/opis-dzialania.php)
Furthermore, all projects must be implemented in partnership with the institutions from Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein. The EEA Grants and the Norway Grants are applicable to many areas. Among others, the funds may be obtained in the scope of education, local development, environment, health, social dialogue.
In order to get more information, please visit: https://eeagrants.org/