Poznań will soon witness a groundbreaking celebration of queer culture with the another edition of Bliscy Nieznajomi (Close Strangers), this year’s theme: QueerFest at Teatr Polski (Polish Theatre), taking place from 20 to 27 October 2024. This festival promises a vibrant fusion of theatre, academic debate, and fashion, all dedicated to exploring queer identities and artistic expression in Poland. With a programme featuring performances from local and international creators, a queer-themed fashion show, and a scholarly conference, QueerFest is poised to highlight Poznań’s role as a key player in Poland’s growing queer culture movement.
A Growing Queer Theatre Movement
In recent years, the Teatr Polski scene has seen a marked increase in productions that tackle queer themes, challenging societal norms and opening dialogues about gender, sexuality, and identity. QueerFest 2024 will showcase a variety of plays from across Poland and beyond, focusing on LGBTQ+ experiences and the politics of the body and identity. This festival aims not only to celebrate these works but also to cement queer theatre’s place in the national cultural landscape.
Full Programme Overview: QueerFest 2024
- 20 October
Clara (16:00, Malarnia): A Cuban production directed by Liliana Lam Hernández. Two transgender YouTubers celebrate their channel’s anniversary, only to have their live broadcast disrupted by unexpected events and personal secrets, offering a mix of humour and emotional depth.
Querelle (18:00, Duża Scena): Directed by Piotr Pacześniak, this tense drama follows two murders with mistaken identities, exploring the banality of violence and the subjective nature of truth.
- 21 October
Very Funny (18:00, Malarnia): A dark comedy directed by Dominika Knapik and Patrycja Kowańska (Gruba i Głupia), this award-winning performance deconstructs body image and gender norms with irreverent humour.
- 22 October
Tom at the Farm (18:00, Duża Scena): Directed by Wojtek Rodak, this Polish adaptation of Michel Marc Bouchard’s play tells the story of a man attending his lover’s funeral, only to be confronted by a homophobic rural family unaware of his existence.
- 23 October
Fucking Truffaut (18:00, Malarnia): A queer cabaret by Bliadski Circus Queelektyw, directed by Roza Sarkisian. The performance blends drag, feminist commentary, and subversive humour to reflect on the realities of war and queer resistance.
- 24 October
Slave Isaura (18:00, Duża Scena): Directed by Martyna Majewska, this play reimagines the iconic Isaura, exploring the evolving concepts of beauty, power, and political correctness through a feminist lens.
- 25 October
Stella Walsh: The Fastest Person in the World (18:00, Malarnia): Directed by Jan Jeliński, this biographical drama tells the story of intersex Polish-American sprinter Stella Walsh, whose life was marred by scandal after her tragic death revealed her gender identity.
- 26 October
Queen (18:00, Duża Scena): Directed by Piotr Sieklucki, this production traces the life of Freddie Mercury, from his early years in Zanzibar to his rise as a rock legend, focusing on his identity and his journey to becoming one of the greatest queer icons in music.
- 27 October
Threesome/Trzy (17:00, Malarnia): Directed by Wojciech Grudziński, this dance and performance piece delves into the lives of three legendary Polish ballet dancers, reviving their stories and reclaiming their queer legacies.
Theatrical Queercycling (19:00, Duża Scena): A queer fashion show featuring recycled theatre costumes, designed by Jolanta Łobacz, Konrad Parol, and Konrad Cichoń, celebrating LGBTQ+ creativity and expression on the catwalk.
Afterparty: Lokum Stonewall – QueerFest Club (20:00): Celebrate the festival’s closing night with music and dancing at Lokum Stonewall, the festival’s official club.
QueerFest’s Conference and Fashion Show
Complementing the performances, QueerFest will host an academic conference under the guidance of Professor Błażej Warkocki from Poznań’s Adam Mickiewicz University. The conference will examine the role of “queer” as a concept in Polish culture, literature, and society over the last 20 years. What does the term mean today in the Polish context? How has it evolved, and what future does it hold in a country grappling with political and social changes?
Additionally, the festival will feature a queer fashion show, designed by Jolanta Łobacz, Konrad Parol, and Konrad Cichoń. The show will breathe new life into discarded theatrical costumes, creating a space where drag queens, kings, and other LGBTQ+ performers can express their identities through bold and inventive designs. This unique blend of performance and fashion will be a highlight of the festival, showcasing the creative power of the queer community in Poland.
Teatr Polski in Poznań: A Stage with History
As the venue for QueerFest, Teatr Polski (Polish Theatre) in Poznań holds a special place in the city’s cultural history. Established in 1875, the theatre has long been a centre for progressive, thought-provoking art in the Wielkopolska region. During its early years, Teatr Polski was a key institution in preserving Polish culture and language under German rule, often staging patriotic and socially conscious works that resonated with the local community.
In the post-war period, the theatre gained a reputation for avant-garde productions, often pushing the boundaries of artistic expression. Today, under the leadership of some of Poland’s most innovative directors, Teatr Polski continues to challenge audiences with bold interpretations of classic and contemporary works. Hosting QueerFest is a natural extension of the theatre’s mission to be at the forefront of cultural and social discussions, providing a platform for underrepresented voices in the arts.
A Festival That Transforms
Poznań’s position as a queer-friendly city has grown significantly over the years. Partnering with local LGBTQ+ organisations like Stonewall and supported by the city itself, QueerFest is more than just a cultural festival. It represents a broader social movement toward acceptance, understanding, and celebration of queer identities.
By bringing together artists, academics, and activists, the Bliscy Nieznajomi: QueerFest 2024 promises to push boundaries, inspire conversations, and celebrate the rich diversity of queer identities.