Referring to the traditions of theatrical explorations conducted in 1959-1964 in Opole by Jerzy Grotowski and the Theatre of the 13 Rows, the Jan Kochanowski Theatre created a new theatrical space called Modelatornia, intended for innovative and experimental artistic projects. To facilitate open access to the Modelatornia for creators, the Jan Kochanowski Theatre has established a Competition for a Theatrical Project, within the framework of the Modelatornia programme. The intention of the Competition’s originators was, in the modern cultural, social, political and artistic context, to initiate and conduct explorations related creatively to the professional experimental theatre formula proposed by Grotowski.
By announcing the Competition, we do not want to refer directly to the aesthetics and creative methods elaborated by the Theatre of the 13 Rows and the Laboratory Theatre, although we are, of course, interested in the actions inspired by them. Pointing to the link with the tradition of Grotowski’s team, we refer, above all, to his Opole period. The 13 Rows made creative use of the achievements and proposals of the European theatrical and artistic avant-garde, trying out opportunities inherent in them and expanding their source theatrical language. At the same time, it confronted elements of European and Polish cultural heritage that were important for young artists, recognising their contemporary significance and values in theatrical action. As a result, the theatre of an experimental art form, undertaking the fundamental ideological issues and confronting the audience with their original stage approach was founded.
In the hope of finding and enabling the implementation of similar projects, we announce this annual Competition for a Theatrical Project within the framework of the Modelatornia programme. The aim of each edition is to identify two projects funded by the Jan Kochanowski Theatre in Opole, implemented on the stage of Modelatornia while collaborating with the Theatre’s team members.
To view the full competition terms and guidelines, please visit the Kochanowski Theatre’s website.
Plan of the theatre space.