This week, Scena Robocza, a cornerstone of Poznań’s cultural landscape, invites you to participate in two unique events that promise to challenge conventional perspectives on art, accessibility, and self-expression. With a focus on inclusivity and emotional honesty, the programme speaks to everyone who values the transformative power of culture. Before diving into the details, let’s explore what makes Scena Robocza a distinctive institution.
What Is Scena Robocza?
The name Scena Robocza translates to Working Stage, reflecting the organisation’s role as a laboratory for artistic experimentation. Founded over a decade ago, Scena Robocza serves as a platform for independent artists and theatre groups, offering them space, resources, and professional support to develop and present their work.
Operating outside the mainstream theatre scene, Scena Robocza is a haven for creative freedom. Its principles are rooted in equality, with an emphasis on providing artists of all backgrounds and levels of experience with equal opportunities to grow and share their vision. Over the years, the institution has hosted 40 theatrical residency programmes, resulting in dozens of premieres and a repertoire that encompasses innovative performances, workshops, and community-focused projects.
By bridging the gap between emerging talent and seasoned professionals, Scena Robocza fosters a dynamic environment where ideas flourish. This focus on collaboration and diversity has established it as one of Poznań’s most exciting cultural spaces. Now, let’s look at what’s on offer this weekend.
Thursday: Accessible Culture for All
Where: Studio Scena Robocza, ul. Wroniecka 6
When: 28 November 2024, 18:00–20:00
Admission: Free (registration via bilety@scenarobocza.pl required)
The first event is part of the Laboratory of Co-Creation Practices, an ongoing series that examines the inner workings of cultural institutions. Titled Accessible Culture for All, this discussion focuses on the barriers—both physical and metaphorical—that prevent full participation in cultural life.
The guest speaker, Justyna Sobczyk, is a renowned theatre director and pedagogue who co-founded the Centre for Inclusive Art. Sobczyk is an advocate for integrating individuals with disabilities into the cultural sphere, both as creators and audience members. The conversation will address the systemic changes necessary to ensure that cultural spaces accommodate diverse needs and identities.
Under the guidance of curator Miłosz Markiewicz, the discussion aims to outline practical strategies for making cultural events more accessible. Participants will explore questions such as: How do institutions transform to welcome everyone? What role can inclusive design play in redefining cultural spaces? The event encourages participation from those working in cultural institutions, as well as anyone interested in shaping a more inclusive future for the arts.
Friday: Black Is My Happy Colour
Where: Studio Scena Robocza, ul. Wroniecka 6
When: 29 November 2024, 19:00
Tickets: Available through Scena Robocza
On Friday, the focus shifts to the personal and the performative with Black Is My Happy Colour, a powerful dance-theatre piece by Michał Przybyła and dramaturge Marcin Miętus. This critically acclaimed production delves into the emotional toll of creative life, exploring themes of mental health, artistic pressure, and the struggle for self-acceptance.
Przybyła, who also performs in the piece, draws on his own experiences in the highly competitive world of dance and theatre. Using movement and breath as key elements, the performance examines how the body stores the pain and triumphs of the past, becoming an “archive of gestures and emotions.”
The title Black Is My Happy Colour reflects the dualities within the piece—black as a symbol of both struggle and transformation. It represents a shield, a vulnerability, and ultimately, a path to empowerment. Przybyła invites the audience to witness the act of reclaiming the body as a space of agency, resilience, and creativity.
The performance resonates far beyond the world of theatre. It speaks to anyone who has faced moments of doubt or felt the pressure of external expectations. Through its raw honesty and innovative choreography, the production offers a message of hope and self-rediscovery.
Why These Events Matter
Both events highlight Scena Robocza’s commitment to pushing boundaries and addressing critical issues. Friday’s discussion emphasises the importance of systemic change, calling on cultural institutions to embrace inclusivity as a guiding principle. Saturday’s performance takes a more personal approach, using art to illuminate the human cost of societal and institutional pressures.
Together, these events create a dialogue about the future of culture—one that prioritises access, equity, and emotional depth. Whether you’re an artist, a cultural professional, or simply a curious spectator, this weekend at Scena Robocza offers a chance to engage with ideas that are both timely and transformative.
