modul-dance
POZNAŃ an artist’s-eye view
modul-dance Modul-dance is a multi-annual cooperation project with the participation of 20 European dancehouses from 16 countries. One of the project’s key elements is the promotion of mobility, so that artists receiving its support follow itineraries across Europe to develop their creative work and present it to different audiences. Each of the guides in this collection shows a city from the viewpoint of a local artist, who proposes his or her own particular route to artists in transit, seeking to put them in connection with their host city. While these city routes share some basic features, each one is different and in their differences lies a wealth of gazes, aesthetics, approximations to the local and much more. In a word, they form a mirror of the diversity that modul-dance has always fostered. The Poznań city guide has been possible thanks to the curatorial work of Art Stations Foundation, a partner in the modul-dance project.
Art Stations Foundation Poznań/ Studio Słodownia +3 © Bartek Buśko for Art Stations Foundation by Grażyna Kulczyk
52° 24′ 0″ N, 16° 55′ 0″ E
Anna Nowicka presents Poznań to Cláudia Dias Urszula Bernat-Jałocha presents Poznań to Lili M Agata Maszkiewicz presents Poznań to May Zarhy & Ioannis Mandafounis Dominika Knapik presents Poznań to An Kaler Janusz Orlik presents Poznań to David Wampach Agata Siniarska presents Poznań to Anne Juren Weronika Pelczyńska presents Poznań to The Mob Marysia Zimpel Interview with Joanna Leśnierowska by Andreea Căpitănescu
Comissioned for Solo Projekt Camp © Anna Nowicka & Aleksandra Osowicz
Anna Nowicka presents Poznań to Cláudia Dias
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Anna Nowicka Anna Nowicka graduated from SEAD experimental academy of dance in Salzburg, the Ernst Busch/HZT in Berlin and the psychology department at Warsaw University. Her artistic research focuses on the relationship between dream and the dancing body, with special interest in the choreography of the imagination. As part of her work, Anna explores different perspectives of the gaze and the possibility of using different points of view as a tool to reveal still invisible, yet present images. She views choreography as a continuous study of the relationship and the tension between the creative process and its outcome (understood also as a by-product of research). Her creative background began with a meeting with Anna Godowska and them long-term cooperation with Slovenian choreographer Mala Kline. Since 2010, her individual choreographic practice has been connected to the Art Stations Foundation in Poznań (with participation in the Solo Projekt Camp). Anna has received many awards and scholarships: her performance Fire is raging in your hair was the winner in the 100 GRAD Festival at HAU in Berlin (2012), and the solo The truth is just a plain picture, said bob was presented during the Polish Dance Platform of 2012. Currently Anna is studying at The School of Images under the direction of Dr Catherine Shainberg and she lives between Berlin and Poland. vimeo.com/annanowicka
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Cláudia Dias
Cláudia Dias, “Vontade de ter Vontade” © Margarida Ribeiro
Born in Lisbon in 1972, Cláudia Dias began her dance training at the Academia Almadense, followed by a scholarship from the Companhia de Dança de Lisboa (The Lisbon Dance Company). Later on, she attended a contemporary dance performer course at Forum Dança and a cultural organisations and project management course at Cultideias. Cláudia is currently completing an MA in Arts of the Stage at the New University of Lisbon. As a performer, she began in the Almada Dance Group and then moved on to the Ninho de Víboras collective. As a Re.Al. associate artist she became a central participant in João Fiadeiro’s creative work strategy and in the development, systematization and outreach aspects of the Composition in Real Time Technique. Cláudia has created the pieces One Woman Show, Visita Guiada, Das coisas nascem coisas, Vontade de ter Vontade and Not everything we do has to be said, not everything we say has to be done. Her work as a choreographer, performer and teacher has been nurtured by several production structures, theatres and festivals in Portugal and abroad. Cláudia was selected for the modul-dance project in 2010 to develop Vontade de ter Vontade.
01 A strange/peculiar place Wilda district by night
district Done!
02 My personal favourites Park Cytadela – vast spaces, lush green park and rows of headless statues called abakany – permanent exhibition Nierozpoznani (unrecognised) by Magdalena Abakanowicz The park is surrounded by Szelągowska and Armii Poznań streets
park 03
Done!
A restaurant with no stars Bar Mleczny Apetyt, the oldest milk bar in town, just by the Old Market Square Szkolna 4
restaurant
Done!
08
04 05 A shot of vodka with a stranger Only in Meskalina, the best shot is called a “mad dog” – Polish spicy sweet invention Stary Rynek 6
vodka Done!
A hidden secret The goats that appear just before the town hall clock strikes noon Stary Rynek 1
secret Done!
09
06 A place to chill NooNah – the best second hand vintage store ever, just get the guys to help you out with the outfits Garbary 71
07
chill-out
A non-studio dance venue Jezioro Maltańskie (Malta Lake) Baraniaka
Done!
lake Done!
08 A must-have souvenir A traditional Polish scarf with colourful flowers blooming on it. To be bought in one of old style handcraft stores called Cepelia Klasztorna 21
souvenir
A market: flea, fruit, veggie? There is a great market just around the corner from Plac Wolnosci (Freedom Square). All fresh! Veggies and fruits, bakeries with bread and pastries, super friendly people to talk to! Ask anyone for Rynek Wielkopolski!
Done!
market
10
Done!
A highlight not to be missed The old town at night
old town
09
Done!
11 A remote area worth going to Las Sucholeski, a nature reserve, amazing The best way to get there is by the fast tram lines 12, 14, 15, 16, 19 and 20 until the last stop at Sobieskiego estate and walk in the direction of Morasko Campus
nature
12 A place where you can find me Słodownia +3, Art Stations Foundation Półwiejska 42
Done!
find me
13
Done!
An after studio leisure spot/temple of relaxation Acrobatics – flying high on trampolines Jarochowskiego 62
relax Done!
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local flavour
10
15
A local flavour Rogal Świętomarciński – poppy seed in a sweet croissant-style pastry… amazing!
The best potatoes Thick and fried… In Klub Dragon of course! Zamkowa 3
potatoes Done!
Done!
artsy
17
Done!
11
16
Something a bit artsy? The Old Brewery, a peculiar, disturbing mixture of a shopping mall with luxurious shops and art Półwiejska 42
The nightlife Meskalina – all roads and parties end up there Stary Rynek 6
nightlife
Done!
18 Do not try this/do not go there A lush chocolate drinking place on the way to Klub Dragon: they exploit their workers
avoid Done!
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Place your finger on the map! I’ll choose another forest! Las Dębiński Piastowska
forest Check out the Google maps version:
goo.gl/maps/JKbv9
Done!
Sjoerd Vreugdenhil, “Unintended Consequences” © Jakub Wittchen. Dancer: Urszula Bernat-Jałocha
Urszula Bernat-Jałocha presents Poznań to Lili M
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Urszula Bernat-Jałocha Urszula Bernat-Jałocha began her dance education at the Polish National Ballet School in Warsaw. After graduating in 2002 she joined the Opera in Szczecin where she danced for four seasons. Subsequently, from 2006 to 2008 she was a dancer in the Grand Theatre in Poznań. In 2007 she graduated from the Academy of Music in Warsaw where she received a Master’s Degree in Ballet Pedagogy. In 2008-2009 she continued her education in the Scottish School of Contemporary Dance and after graduating she took part in the summer apprenticeship programme with the Scottish Dance Theatre. During her studies in Scotland she worked with Janis Claxton, Thomas Small and Victoria Fox. In 2009, she joined the Polish Dance Theatre where she worked with acclaimed Polish and international choreographers such as Jacek Przybyłowicz, Ewa Wycichowska, Paulina Wycichowska, Paweł Matyasik, Andrzej Adamczak, Karolina Wyrwał, Ohad Naharin and most recently Jo Strømgren. Urszula has been performing on many international tours including Germany, United Kingdom, China, Brazil, Russia, Ukraine, Czech Republic and Norway. In 2014 she created her own piece Nondescript, which premiere was during the Polish Dance Theatre’s 7th Atelier Festival. She also regularly gives contemporary dance classes. taniecpolska.pl/ludzie/299
Lili M
Lili M © Zoe Alibert
lili-m-rampre.tumblr.com
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Lili Mihajlović Rampre comes from Slovenia, where she took a BSc in Physics. With a wide range of her interests including radio journalism, literary engagements and years of competitive fencing, she decided to pursue her greatest passion – dance. Lili has held a Nomad Dance Academy scholarship and was selected for a residency at ReRc (Centre Choreographique National de Montpellier) as part of the WILD CARD programme, supported by Jardin d’Europe. She has also won first prize in the Slovenian national competition for young dance creators. In 2012 she completed a MACode (master study program in contemporary dance education) at the Hochschule fur Musik und Darstellende Kunst in Frankfurt, Germany. Mainly focusing on her own work, she has until now been supported by Mousonturm Theater as a part of their programme for emerging artists, and by ID Frankfurt (PET 5 – But it’s not about chairs, 2010 in Mousonturm; Body happens together, 2011 in Frankfurt LAB). In 2013 she became a modul-dance resident artist. Her recent engagements include collaboration with film maker Anatoli Nat Skatchkov on a short documentary (a project supported by an artistic research grant Lili was awarded by the Hessische Theaterakademie in Frankfurt), the continuation of the modul-dance initiated project As we begin, so shall we go, and performances in pieces by Marina Abramovic.
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02
A strange/peculiar place Dark Restaurant Garbary 48
My personal favourites The little coffee shop on Garbary street – a place with only two tables, but with fantastic coffee and very interesting people Garbary 53
eat Done!
coffee shop
03
Done!
A restaurant with no stars Da Luigi – traditional Italian pizzeria and super nice owners Woźna 1
restaurant 14
Done!
04
A hidden secret The trail from Malta Lake to the new zoo Krańcowa (real end of street)
secret Done!
05
A shot of vodka with a stranger Pijalnia Wódki i Piwa Wrocławska 8
vodka
Done!
06 chill-out Done!
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A place to chill Park Sołacki The park is surrounded by Nad Wierzbakiem and Litewska streets
07 A non-studio dance venue Club Lab Grochowe Łąki 5
club
08
Done!
A must-have souvenir Figures of Poznań goats – to be found everywhere around the old town
souvenir Done!
09 A market: flea, fruit, veggie? Fresh fruits, herbs and vegetables Rynek Wielkopolski
market
10
Done!
A highlight not to be missed Termy Maltańskie – the most modern and largest water sports and recreational complex in Poland Termalna 1
sport
Done!
11 A remote area worth going to Ostrów Tumski – an island between two streams of the Warta river
island
12
Done!
A place where you can find me The Polish Dance Theatre Kozia 4 16
find me
13
Done!
An after studio leisure spot/temple of relaxation Thai-Land massage Długa 14
relax
Done!
14
A local flavour Rogale Świętomarcińskie – a local croissant filled with marzipan and poppy seed. You can buy it all year round in the best bakeries and patisseries around town
local flavour Done!
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The best potatoes Pyra Bar Strzelecka 13
potatoes Done!
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Something a bit artsy? Klub Dragon Zamkowa 3
artsy
Done!
17 The nightlife The Old Market square and surroundings
nightlife
18
Done!
Do not try this/do not go there Do not try this: a shot of kamikaze Do not go there: Wrocławska street at night
avoid
Place your finger on the map! Jezioro Rusałka – a bit distant but a very beautiful place To get there take a tram to Park Sołacki and ask for further directions – locals will surely guide you!
lake
Done!
Check out the Google maps version:
goo.gl/maps/xoj52
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19
Done!
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Agata Maszkiewicz, “Duel” © Jakub Wittchen
Agata Maszkiewicz presents Poznań to May Zarhy & Ioannis Mandafounis
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Agata Maszkiewicz Agata Maszkiewicz is a choreographer, performer and dancer. In her work she uses different forms for creating dance and theatre performances, videos, installations and texts where choreography is used as the main drama tool. She is keen on tracing various social patterns and transforming them on stage in a humorous, poetic way. The Austrian critic Helmut Ploebst called her a sociocritical choreographer. In October 2009 she graduated from the Institute of Dance Arts at the Anton Bruckner Privatuniversit채t in Linz, Austria (Master of Arts MA). She was a successful applicant in the danceWEB 2006 scholarship programme and from January to June 2007 she continued her education at the Centre Choreoghraphique National (CCN) in Montpellier as a participant of the ex.e.r.ce program (under the guidance of Xavier Le Roy). She works, among others, with the collective Superamas (You dream, BIG3 happy/ end, Casino); with Ivana M체ller (60 minutes of opportunism) and has created her own works (the installation snowflakes or the solo Polska). She collaborated with Anne Juren, Marianne Baillot and Alix Eynaudi on the piece Komposition. Together with Alix Eynaudi she created a video performance The Visitants and subsequently the piece Long long short long short. Her most recent production Don Kiewicz & Sancho Waniec premiered in December 2011 in Brut Theatre, Vienna. In 2012 she was selected by the modul-dance project to develop the piece Duel. taniecpolska.pl/ludzie/257
Ioannis Mandafounis & May Zarhy, “Pausing” © Emmanuelle Bayart, 2012. Dancer: May Zahry
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May Zarhy Born in Israel in 1984, May Zarhy created her first piece for the National Choreography Biennale Shades in Dance 2001 at the Suzanne Dellal Centre in Tel Aviv, before moving to the Netherlands in 2002 to study at the Rotterdam Dance Academy. In 2005, she assisted William Forsythe in the creation of 3 Atmospheric Studies. Later, May participated on the ex.e.r.ce 2007 educational programme in Montpellier, France, directed by Mathilde Monnier and Xavier Le Roy. In 2009, together with Fabrice Mazliah and Ioannis Mandafounis, she formed the collaborative trio MAMAZA, creating together Z.E.R.O. (2009), Cover Up (2011), The Nikel Project – songs&poems (2012), and Pausing (2012) with Mandafounis, as well as the installations ASINGELINE (2011) and Garden State (2014), which have been co-produced and staged by numerous companies and festivals, such as the Kunstlerhaus Mousonturm Frankfurt, the Forsythe Company, Les Rencontres Chorégraphiques Internationales de Seine-Saint-Denis and PACT Zollverein Essen. Together with Mazliah and Mandafounis, she was an associate artist with deSingel Antwerp in 2011-2012, and resident artist with Mousonturm Frankfurt in 2012-2014, thanks to the support of the Doppel Pass programme organised by the Bundes Kultur Stiftung in Germany. In 2014 she created the work 1325 with Kathryn Enright. Furthermore, May teaches movement workshops and theory seminars, and assists other artists. In 2011 she and Ioannis Mandafounis were selected for the moduldance project to develop the piece Pausing.
Born in Athens in 1981, Ioannis Mandafounis studied dance at the National School of Athens and at the Conservatoire de Paris. Before becoming a freelance choreographer, he worked for the Gothenburg Opera Ballet and the Nederlands Dans Theater II and joined the Forsythe Company in 2005. In 2004 he formed the Lemurius Company in Athens together with Katerina Skiada and Anastasis Gouliaris. Together they created the pieces Provalondas tin Skia, Anthropines diastasis, Crosstalk and Yperparagogi, which have been presented at national and international festivals. In 2006 he was commissioned to create a new version of L’après-midi d’un faune for the Greek National Opera. He went on to create P.A.D. (2007), commissioned by the Athens and Epidaurus Festival, and the group work HUE, produced by the Forsythe Company at the Bockenheimer depot in Frankfurt. In 2009, together with Fabrice Mazliah and May Zarhy, he formed the collaborative trio MAMAZA and they created Z.E.R.O. and Cover Up together. During the 2011-2013 period Ioannis was an associated artist for a total of one year with DeSingel in Antwerp, where he stages most of his works, and he created the project Songs & Poems with the contemporary music ensemble Nikel. He has also been supported by RESO Swiss and the Bundes Kultur Schtiftung (Germany) within the framework of the Doppel Pass Programme and has been a resident artist at the Mousonturm Kunstlerhaus Frankfurt since 2012, finishing at the end of 2014. In 2014 Ioannis created the piece Twisted Pair and he is currently creating a new work with Elena Giannotti called ApersonA. He is supported by the Migros Cultural Percentage through the Prairie programme. In addition to his own choreographic work Ioannis teaches improvisation workshops using the ancient martial art Budo as an approach and choreographs works for other companies and schools. These include the Greek National Opera, Ballet Junior of Geneva, P.A.R.T.S. Brussels, Palucca Schule Dresden, Hochschule fur Musik und Darstellende Kunst Frankfurt, CFC Geneva and La Manufacture Lausanne. In 2011 he was selected, together with May Zarhy, by the modul-dance project to develop the piece Pausing. mamaza.net
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Ioannis Mandafounis
01 A strange/peculiar place A former swimming pool in a former synagogue. Unfortunately it is being renovated so I am not sure you can still go inside. Maybe if you ask, the janitor will give you a free tour? Wroniecka 11
swimming pool Done!
02 03
My personal favourites There is a very nice courtyard on Wielka 21, close to the main square. There is a nice music shop where you can buy worsted wool and some nice coffees Wielka 21
shop
A restaurant with no stars Jadalnia Grunwaldzka 182 Or if you are not a vegetarian there is a burger stand at the corner of Święty Marcin and Piekary
04
restaurant 22
Done!
05
Done!
A hidden secret A summer swimming pool Chwiałka open for swimming lovers before the crowd comes (Info entries for early birds: 7:00, 7:45 and 8:30 a.m. Admission: 2 € for 45 min.). There is really nobody in the morning! Chwiałkowskiego 34
secret
A shot of vodka with a stranger Klubokawiarnia Meskalina Stary Rynek 61
vodka
Done!
Done!
06 A place to chill Taczaka 20. Chill out with a cup of coffee and a cake Taczaka 20
23
chill-out Done!
07 08
A non-studio dance venue Fountain on Plac Wolności (Wolności Square) and, generally, the entire square
fountain Done!
A must-have souvenir Visit one of the many second hand shops and you will find a perfect souvenir just for you. One such place is NooNah, for example Garbary 71
souvenir Done!
09 A market: flea, fruit, veggie? Rynek Jeżycki
market 10
Done!
A highlight not to be missed Visit Okrąglak – the icon of Poznań modernism. Go inside and see the main staircase! Mielżyńskiego 17
architecture
Done!
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A remote area worth going to Rogalin – a palace and a beautiful walk in grounds with some almost ancient oak trees To get there take a bus from Dworzec Śródka (Śródka bus station). Bus station at Rondo Śródka
palace 24
Done!
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13
A place where you can find me Art Stations Foundation/Old Brewery Słodownia Studio +3 – Art Stations Foundation in the Old Brewery Półwiejska 42
find me
Done!
An after studio leisure spot/temple of relaxation The botanic garden Dąbrowskiego 156
relax Done!
14
A local flavour Bar Mleczny Przysmak (a traditional Polish milk bar). Ask for pyry z gzikiem! Podgórna 2
local flavour Done!
15
The best potatoes Russian pierogi. They are dumplings with a potato stuffing. The best are homemade so maybe Mikołaj from the Art Stations Foundation could make them for you. I heard he is a great cook :)
potatoes
Done!
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Something a bit artsy? Kontenery ul. Ewangelicka
artsy
17
Done!
The nightlife Klub Dragon Zamkowa 3
Done! 25
nightlife 18
Do not try this / do not go there Pierniki Torunskie (Toruń gingerbread). It is a speciality from Torun, not Poznań There is a shop on Połwiejska street 1
avoid
Done!
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Place your finger on the map! Śródka, a district of Poznań Rynek Śródecki
district Done!
Check out the Google maps version:
goo.gl/maps/sNNeI
Dominika Knapik ,“Testament optymisty” © Kuba Dąbrowski
Dominika Knapik presents Poznań to An Kaler
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Dominika Knapik Dancer, actress and choreographer, Dominika Knapik is a graduate of the Ludwik Solski State Drama School in Cracow (PWST), co-founder of Harakiri Farmers and vice-president of the Association for Humanistic Initiatives in Arts Sztruks. In 2007 she was a DanceWEB Scholarship holder and created her debut solo performance how do you like me? at the Art Stations Foundation in Poznań (Solo Projekt 2007). She has collaborated as a dancer with the Gymnastics Association and with Dada von Bzdulow. In 2008, together with Wojciech Klimczyk, she founded the Harakiri Farmers (HAFA) artistic collective. Their ironic, intellectual performances are marked by a discursive, interdisciplinary approach to dance. In 2011 she directed, choreographed and performed in Optimist’s Testament at the Laznia Nowa Theater in Krakow. The same year she created a choreography for and performed in Not I, directed by Iga Ganczarczyk and received a scholarship from the Polish Ministry of Culture and National Heritage, with which HAFA was able to create Moscow. HAFA has also created Sisters, Stille and Dzoe. Their latest show, I wanna be someone great, was premiered in 2014. She collaborates regularly as a choreographer with drama theatres in Poland. In 2012 she organised and curated a mini-festival New dance in old Krakow, and that same year she started to cooperate (together with Wojtek Klimczyk) as dance curator for Krakow Theatrical Reminiscences. She has worked as a teacher at the Ludwik Solski State Drama School in Krakow (PWST) since 2012. harakirifarmers.com sztruks.org
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An Kaler An Kaler studied Transmedia Art at the University of Applied Arts, Vienna. An’s artistic practice combines dance, performance and visual art. In 2010 An graduated from the BA Pilotprogramm Contemporary Dance, Context, Choreography at the InterUniversity Center for Dance, the University of the Arts, Berlin. In 2010 An presented the solo-performance Save a horse ride a cowboy at Tanztage Berlin and Imagetanz at brut Wien. In the frame of a long-term creative and physical practice named Insignificant Others An Kaler developed Untitled Stills in exchange with different artists in 2010 and (learning to look sideways) in 2011/12, which premiered at the Tanzquartier Vienna in December 2011 and was presented in 2012 at Tanztage in the Sophiensaele Berlin, Rencontres Chorégraphiques Internationales de Seine-Saint-Denis, ImPulsTanz Vienna and Tanznacht Berlin. In 2012 An received a scholarship from the Contemporary Arts Alliance Berlin and was selected by the modul-dance project to develop the piece On Orientations / Untimely Encounters. As a performer An Kaler has worked alongside Philipp Gehmacher, Isabelle Schad and Laurent Chétouane.
An Kaler, “On Orientations | Untimely Encounters” © Jakub Wittchen for Art Stations Foundation by Grażyna Kulczyk
ankaler.org
01 A strange/peculiar place A synagogue that has been turned into a swimming pool Wroniecka 11
swimming pool
28
Done!
02
My personal favourites Zielona Weranda Paderewskiego 7
coffee Done!
03 A restaurant with no stars Manekin Kwiatowa 3
restaurant Done!
04
A hidden secret Very good hairdresser in a horrible place – Sławek Stawarczyk in Pasaż Różowy Święty Marcin 47
secret Done!
05
A shot of vodka with a stranger Klub Dragon Zamkowa 3
vodka
Done!
06 A place to chill WOSK: a nice chill-out party place a bit off the beaten track. Open only on weekends, it serves local liquor and has the best music in town. A good place to hang out, especially during the summer time Garncarska 4 Also, there is a really nice Thai massage parlour on Długa 14 street – a different way of chilling out after a long day’s work Długa 14
chill-out
07
Done!
A non-studio dance venue Park Cytadela – plenty of space for a morning warm up
park
08
Done!
A must-have souvenir Definitely Rogal Świętomarciński :)
souvenir
09
Done!
A market: flea, fruit, veggie? Priscilla Gallery – a very interesting vintage shop Garbary 63/5
market
10
Done!
old town
Done!
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A highlight not to be missed The old town in general :)
11 A remote area worth going to OD:ZYSK, a place in the middle of the old town which seems remote to many. It is one of Poznań’s two squats offering cultural and social activities. Definitely a must go venue! Paderewskiego 1 odzysk.org
remote
12
Done!
A place where you can find me It depends on what time you come, but I guess at Stary Browar (Art Stations Foundation / Studio Słodownia +3) or Centrum Kultury Zamek
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find me
An after studio leisure spot/temple of relaxation Malta Lake Baraniaka Done!
14
30
relax
15
The best potatoes Pyra Bar Strzelecka 13
Done!
potatoes
A local flavour Rogal Świętomarciński – can be found in some bakeries in the city. On 11 November, everyone in Poznań eats tons of them :)
local flavour Done!
Done!
artsy
31
16
Something a bit artsy? How about Bookarest, a bookstore in Stary Browar? Półwiejska 42. Stary Browar Atrium. Level 0 Done!
17 The nightlife Klubokawiarnia Meskal (now called Mamałyga) Nowowiejskiego 17
nightlife 18 Do not try this/do not go there Shops with cheap shoes on Półwiejska street
avoid 19
Done!
Place your finger on the map! Jeżyce! An old district of the city, well described in Małgorzata Musierowicz’s books en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeżycjada
distrit
Done!
Check out the Google maps version:
goo.gl/maps/B1UAx
Done!
Janusz Orlik, “Insight” © Jakub Wittchen
Janusz Orlik presents Poznań to David Wampach
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Janusz Orlik After graduating from the Ballet School in Warsaw Janusz Orlik became a student of Brucknerkonservatorium Linz (Austria) where he danced with the x.IDA ensemble. Since 2002 he has been a regular member of Vicent Dance Theaetre (United Kingdom). His own works include Exérèse monobloc (2004), and Thy neighbour as thyself (2006), Live on stage (2008), The Rite of Spring (2011) and Insight (2013). He also collaborated and performed in works created by Towarzystwo Gimnastyczne (Poland), Nigel Charnock + Company (United Kingdom), Kwaad Bloed vzw/Ugo Dehaes (Belgium), Joanna Leśnierowska (Poland), Gary Clarke (United Kingdom), Daniel Landau (Ireland), Sjoer Vreugdenhill (The Netherlands), Rosalind Crisp (Australia/France) and Isabelle Schad (Germany). januszorlik.com
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David Wampach started out studying medicine at the Faculty of Montpellier. He quickly became interested in live performances. He participated in multiple dance groups: The Company Coline in Istres, France (1999), Ex.e.r.ce (2000) at the National Choreographic Center of Montpelier, directed by Mathilde Monnier, and then the P.A.R.T.S school of Brussels with Anne Teresa de Keersmaeker (2001). He also participated on the choreographic culture training course taught by Laurence Louppe, from 2004 to 2006, while working on his own shows. In 2001, using an approach borrowing from theatre and the plastic arts and developed along the way, he formed the company Achles Association. His works include D ES R A, co-written with Pierre Mourles; CIRCONSIS; BASCULE, a radical and hypnotic trio to the rhythm of metronomic music; QUATORZE; AUTO, a duet with the pianist Aurélien Richard; BATTERIE; BATTEMENT, a variation on the “grand battement”, the emblematic ballet movement, CASSETTE, a Latino version of Nutcracker and TOUR. In 2010 he was selected by the modul-dance project to develop SACRE, a reading of The Rite of Spring which has been continued with the short film RITE. David Wampach collaborates regularly with artists from different horizons as the director, Guillaume Vincent, the writer Jerome Game, and the gypsy group, Rumba is Compas. davidwampach.eu
David Wampach, “SACRE” © Valerie Archeno
David Wampach
01 A strange/peculiar place Poznań city centre – the main railway station of the city. Once you are there you understand why it seems a strange and peculiar place. And if in doubt, just ask any local about it... Dworcowa 1
station Done!
02 My personal favourites I really appreciate Poznań’s city parks and green areas, especially Park Sołacki surrounded by the old villa neighbourhood with a tiny river and ponds with many ducks and swans; built in 1911 it is one of the oldest parks in the city Surrounded by Nad Wierzbakiem and Litewska streets
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green areas 03 A restaurant with no stars Bar-a-boo – the best pizza in the city! Taczaka 11/2 Święta krowa – delicious SlowFood burgers Kwiatowa 1 Pracownia – fusion cuisine and a nice summer garden Woźna 17
restaurant Done!
Done!
04 A hidden secret The graves of the first duke and king of Poland are in Poznań cathedral. Something many guides do not mention. Walking around the cathedral island gives you flashbacks of the old times Ostrów Tumski 17
secret Done!
05
A shot of vodka with a stranger There are two very popular places for locals to hang out in, both located in the old town: Klubokawiarnia Meskalina Stary Rynek 6 … and Klub Dragon Zamkowa 3
vodka
Done!
06 A place to chill Park Cytadela – a huge green area in the city centre The park is surrounded by Szelągowska and Armii Poznań streets
chill-out
Done!
08 A non-studio dance venue HaH Art & Music Club – is one of the largest music clubs in Poznań. Mostly for the LGBT community it welcomes everyone who likes good parties. It has three dance floors with music varying from pop to dance/house, karaoke and well-stocked bars Małe Garbary 6
club
Done!
... and Salon Posnania – city information centre Ratajczaka 44
souvenir Done! 35
07
A must-have souvenir A peacock feather and anything to do with amber. For amber browse around the jewellery stores. The best places to shop for typical souvenirs are stalls at the Old Market Square Stary Rynek
09 A market: flea, fruit, veggie? Plac Wielkopolski (fresh vegetables and herbs as well as many stalls with everyday objects) and Rynek Jeżycki (fresh vegetables, herbs, flowers and old style stalls with peculiarities)
market
Done!
10
A highlight not to be missed A young male magician who performs his tricks around the city, hoping to get gather small change to perfect his craft. He may enter any bar in the city, approach your table and ask you if you want to see some magic. I know many people who have been in awe and left speechless with a big smile on their faces after his performance. He is very genuine and the only person you could give money to
36
magic Done!
11
A remote area worth going to Nowe Zoo – a huge area full of animals around old forts of Poznań just behind Lake Malta ul. Krańcowa 81 Kórnik – a town 22 km from the city centre of Poznań. Beautiful Kórnik castle, lake, arboretum and ice creams in the main square. To get there take a bus from Dworzec Śródka (Śródka bus station). Bus station at Rondo Śródka
remote Done!
12 find me Done!
13 An after studio leisure spot/temple of relaxation All the smaller parks close to the Old Brewery area: Park Marcinkowskiego Aleja Niepodległości / Towarowa Park Chopina Podgórna / Wroclawska Zielone Ogródki (a nice fountain in the summer time) Strzelecka / Długa Park Dąbrowskiego (next to the Old Brewery) Półwiejska 42 Park Moniuszki (a great view of the Opera and the most beautiful fountain in town) Aleje Niepodległości / Fredry
relax Done!
14 A local flavour As for any typical Poznań region product made from potatoes, as well as biała kiełbasa (white sausage) and Rogal Świętomarciński (a crescent roll with filling made of white poppy seeds, dried fruit and nuts). But if you want to try some typical Polish food/dishes check out kabanosy (thin dried sausage), barszcz (hot beetroot soup), chłodnik litewski (cold beetroot soup), tatar (minced raw beef), kaszanka (black sausage), pierogi (dumplings – savoury and sweet), pierogi leniwe (made with cottage cheese with sour cream, sugar and breadcrumbs), rożki (macaroons with butter cream, covered in chocolate), szarlotka (apple pie), sernik (cheese cake), surówki (a variety of raw vegetable salads) and a variety of sour cabbage dishes
local flavour Done!
37
A place where you can find me Słodownia Studio +3 – Art Stations Foundation in the Old Brewery Półwiejska 42
15 The best potatoes Pyry z gzikiem (potatoes/baked potatoes with cottage cheese and chives or onion), kopytka (potato dumplings), plendze (thin hash browns) best with sour cream and sugar. You can find them in a lot of restaurants and bars around the city but there is a special place that serves mainly dishes made with potatoes: Pyra Bar Strzelecka 13
16
potatoes
Something a bit artsy? Kontener Art is a seasonal residency space, club and concert venue located by the banks of Warta River ul. Ewangelicka
artsy Done!
38
Done!
17 The nightlife There are plenty of places to hang out around the old town of the city: Brovaria Hotel & Restaurant (several types of beer are being brewed at the location) Stary Rynek 73/74 As well as those already mentioned: Klubokawiarnia Meskalina, Klub Dragon or Kontener Art in the summer
nightlife Done!
18
Do not try this/do not go there Do not get too drunk (better to be safe than sorry). Poznań is like most European cities, there are no specific areas that are more dangerous although one should avoid dark places and always be aware
avoid Done!
19
Place your finger on the map! Jezioro Maltańskie (Malta Lake) – an artificial lake with plenty of sports facilities including a ski slope operating all year round Baraniaka
lake
Done!
Check out the Google maps version: 39
goo.gl/maps/91pG3
Agata Siniarska, “Death 24 frames per second or do it to me like in a real movie – delayed choreography in chapters” © Jakub Wittchen
Agata Siniarska presents Poznań to Anne Juren
Agata Siniarska Agata Siniarska is a fictional character with many talents and a criminal past, consciously appearing in a series of episodes inside the choreographic frame. Having tried out different theatrical formats and having studied choreography at Berlin’s HTZ, she currently devises feminist fun studies and cultivates her need for language and writing, cinema and animation within the sphere of her feminist practices. Addicted to fiction, she conducts her research on life/death inside the image and life/death outside the frame, fashioning herself as a tool of visual rhetoric through the cultural structures inscribed in her. She approaches every image she creates with passion and intense fascination, fuelled by the energy of profound theoretical hesitancy, acting many times not alone but in the midst of many exquisite adventures.
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cargocollective.com/agatasiniarska
Anne Juren
41
Anne Juren is a choreographer and dancer born in Grenoble, France, and based in Vienna. After her diploma in dance at the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Danse in Lyon and her studies in French literature, she finished her apprenticeship at the Trisha Brown Company in New York. In 2001 she founded the Wiener Tanz- und Kunstbewegung association in Vienna and created several choreographies like the solo A? (2003), J’aime (2004) in collaboration with Alice Chauchat, the solo Code Series (2005), Look Look (2007) in collaboration with Kroot Juurak, and Komposition (2008) in collaboration with Marianne Baillot, Agata Maszkiewicz and Alix Eynaudi. In 2008 she was also an artist in residence at Tanzquartier Wien and took part in two European artistic programs, IDEE and APAP, in which she developed a series of works called Patterns of Sport and Dance. She worked as a choreographer for the Burgtheater and co-curator for the festival Quick Change at the Tanzquartier in Vienna. After that she presented Pièce Sans Paroles with DD Dorvillier and Annie Dorsen, a Tenessee William’s play performed without words. In 2010 premiered her piece Magical at the ImPulsTanz Festival and was selected by the modul-dance project to develop Tableaux Vivants.
Anne Juren & Roland Rauschmeier, “Tableaux Vivants” © Angela Bedekovic
wienertanzundkunstbewegung.at
01
A strange/peculiar place The Poznań Palm House Matejki 18
palm house Done!
02 My personal favourites Portobello second hand vintage shop Półwiejska 28
vintage shop
42
03
Done!
A restaurant with no stars Manekin Pancake Bar – no star but with tasty, cheap food Kwiatowa 3
04
restaurant Done!
A hidden secret Photo VB 43.019 by Vanessa Beecroft on the ground floor of the Blow Up Hall hotel Kościuszki 42
secret Done!
05
A shot of vodka with a stranger I really don’t know but if you fancy a coffee… latte macchiato with a stranger at Taczaka 20 Taczaka 20
coffe
Done!
06 A place to chill Cicha Kuna Święty Marcin 30/8-9
chill-out Done!
08 A must-have souvenir A photo of Poznań goats taken at 12:00 a.m. in the Old Market – there is entire legend about them. Ask a local to tell you the story Stary Rynek 1
souvenir Done!
07 A non-studio dance venue The fountain in front of the Teatr Wielki Opera Poznańska (Poznań Opera) Fredry 9
fountain Done!
09 A market: flea, fruit, veggie? Rynek Jeżycki
10
A highlight not to be missed A haircut in Salon Magia Żydowska 30
market Done!
haircut
43
Done!
11 A remote area worth going to Wytwórnia Lodów Tradycyjnych (traditional ice cream manufacturer) Kościelna 52
ice cream 12 Done!
44
A place where you can find me Bookarest bookstore; even though it has moved and is still too expensive, I cannot resist Półwiejska 42. Stary Browar Atrium. Level 0
find me
13
Done!
An after studio leisure spot/temple of relaxation Kino Muza Święty Marcin 30
relax
Done!
14
A local flavour Rogale Świętomarcińskie! The best croissants ever in Zagrodnicza bakery! Ratajczaka 27 or Królowej Jadwigi 60A
local flavour Done!
15
The best potatoes I do not like potatoes but the best sushi buffet is in Zindo – Japanese and Korean restaurant Kramarska 15
potatoes
Done!
16
Something a bit artsy? More than a bit: the Art Stations gallery Półwiejska 42
artsy
Done!
17 The nightlife Klub Dragon, as always Zamkowa 3
nightlife
Done!
18 Do not try this/do not go there Galleria MM shopping mall Święty Marcin 24
19
Done! 45
avoid
Place your finger on the map! Studio Słodownia +3 / Art Stations Foundation in the Old Brewery! Półwiejska 42
dance studio Check out the Google maps version:
goo.gl/maps/NSzpV
Done!
Weronika Pelczyńska, improvisation at centrum w Ruchu © Marta Ankiersztejn
Weronika Pelczyńska presents Poznań to The Mob
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Weronika Pelczyńska Weronika Pelczyńska is a graduate of Salzburg Experimental Academy of Dance in Austria and an engineer from Warsaw University of Technology. By profession, she is a dancer and choreographer. She has gained dance experience by working with several companies such as Bodhi Project, Mouvoir Company, Coccon Dance, Johannes Wieland Company, as well with individual choreographers like Jozef Frucek and Linda Kapetanea, Matej Kejzar, Marysia Stokłosa and Anna Nowicka. She choreographs for drama theatres and movies in Poland, working with such artists as Agnieszka Glinska, Barbara Sass-Zdort, Zuzanna Solakiewicz, Aneta Grzeszykowska, Krzysztof Skonieczny and many others. She is a co-author of Yvonne, Yvonne – a remix of Yvonne Rainer (produced by Komuna Warszawa in 2011), as well as the short piece inspiration fruit... in tribute to the music of Witold Lutosławski (produced by f.o.r.t.e foundation and Burdąg foundation in 2013). In 2013 she was a danceWEBer during ImpulsTanz under the mentorship of Ivo Dimchev and a participant of modul-dance through the Carte Blanche programme. She is the co-founder of CENTRUM W RUCHU, an association of choreographers and dancers, which is based in Warsaw, Poland. taniecpolska.pl/ludzie/126
47
The Mob The members of the Mob are choreographer and dancer Emma-Cecilia Ajanki and choreographer and sound artist Julia Giertz. Since 2009 they have created and toured black box performances, site-specific pieces as well as electro-pop concerts throughout Europe, New Zealand and the USA. The Mob mixes a physical dance practice with music and pop-surrealism with an aspiration to use choreography as a tool to manifest change and intensify our relation with the future. In 2012 The Mob was selected by the modul-dance project to develop Baby it’s you not me.
The Mob, “Baby it’s you not me” © Hanna Reidmar
themobpleasure.com
01
02
A strange/peculiar place The courtyard at the end of Kozia street – beautiful and strange architecture. After seeing this spot go to “Tylko u nas” bar and have the best pork chop (kotlet schabowy) in town. Have a small portion; believe me, even a small one is humongous! And it is only 10PLN – about 2,50 €! Kozia 12 and Szkolna 7
strange
48
Done!
04
A hidden secret A vintage store called NooNah with interesting clothes. A nice couple who set the shop up run it and can help you out! Garbary 71
secret Done!
My personal favourites Wytwórnia Lodów Tradycyjnych (traditional ice cream manufacturer) Kościelna 52
ice cream Done!
03
A restaurant with no stars A restaurant where you can eat nice local food is called Republika Róż. One recent special offer is the picnic menu. The idea is that, together with your food, you receive a map with recommended places in local parks where you can eat it Plac Kolegiacki 2a
restaurant Done!
05
A shot of vodka with a stranger Easy! Go to Meskalina or Klub Dragon, buy three vodkas and drink them with a stranger Stary Rynek 6 and Zamkowa 3 Enjoy Poznań. If you happen to be in Warsaw don’t hesitate to contact me. It will be easier for me to show you around as I am based there
vodka
Done!
06 chill-out Done!
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A place to chill The park next to Stary Browar (the Old Brewery) – sunbeds, prosecco and everything you need for the summer time! Półwiejska 42
07 A non-studio dance venue Go to WOSK! Garnacarska 4
08 A must-have souvenir A bottle of Polish liquor – for example Żubrówka (bison vodka) or Wisniówka (cherry cordial)
souvenir Done!
10
A highlight not to be missed The huge Park Cytadela, good for nice walk or bike ride!
bike ride Done!
club
Done!
09 A market: flea, fruit, veggie? Breakfast markets in spring and on summer weekends. Often in different locations. Google “targ śniadaniowy Poznań” each time before going :)
market Done!
11
12
A remote area worth going to Śródka – a new fashion/artistic district in Poznań that has become trendy nowadays. If you go there, you could drop by two neighbouring cafes: La Ruina (try their coffee and pastries) and Raj (with an old, out-of-order oven but a small working cinema; some interesting Asian food there as well) Rynek Śródecki
A place where you can find me One of the most interesting places to be, not only in Poznań but all Poland, is Stary Browar: half arts and half commercial. It is a huge shopping mall built on the ruins of an old brewery from the 19th century. However, what is more important is that it is the seat of the Art Stations Foundation and their well-known programme of contemporary dance and art. You cannot miss it. They show dance all year round, and organise workshops, performances and research programmes Półwiejska 42
district Done!
13
An after studio leisure spot/temple of relaxation Vistaria Spa Wiankowa 3
find me 14
relax Done!
15 50
The best potatoes Pyra Bar Strzelecka 13
Done!
potatoes
A local flavour You should visit Toga restaurant at Plac Wolności. You need to wait for your food but it is worth it. People say the following is a must eat: czarna polewka (blood soup; it sounds dreadful but it tastes fine!) in spring, asparagus in summer, mulled wine in winter and goose in the fall. A friend told me that once they ran out of desserts and prepared a fresh new cake especially for them in no time at all! Plac Wolności 13
local flavour Done!
Done!
16
Something a bit artsy? Kolektyw 1a Święty Wojciech 1a
artsy
Done!
17 The nightlife In the city centre the nightlife is everywhere – just hang around the Old Market Square and surroundings on Friday night! Stary Rynek
nightlife
18
Done!
avoid
Done!
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Do not try this/do not go there From time to time there are theme markets on the Old Market Square. Always crowded, often tacky with poor live music and smelly food Stary Rynek
19 Place your finger on the map! The New Zoo! Krańcowa 81
zoo Check out the Google maps version:
goo.gl/maps/eAyPp
Done!
Rosalind Crisp, “Back to Bone” © Jakub Wittchen. Dancer: Marysia Zimpel
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Marysia Zimpel presents Poznań
Marysia Zimpel
taniecpolska.pl/ludzie/355
53
Marysia Zimpel works in the fields of dance, choreography and performance. Her focus is on movement research where she explores the potential of shifts of perception and limits of physicality. For some time she has come to call herself an abstract expressionist, after Agnes Martin. She pursued Cultural Studies at Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań (Poland) and Dance, Choreography, Context at HZT, UdK in Berlin (Germany). Her work is influenced by somatic practices, release work as well as meeting with Australian choreographer Rosalind Crisp, among others. She received the DanceWeb Scholarship 2009 and is the creator of several works (including Working like a dog in 2011, What do you really miss? in 2013 and 2013, s c a t t e r in 2014 and noish~ in 2014 in cooperation with Gerard Lebik). She has also worked with Isabelle Schad, Deufert&Plischke, Rosalind Crisp, God’s Entertainment Collective, Alexandra Borys, Magdalena Chowaniec and Zeina Hanna, among others. She works mostly between Poznań, Berlin and Vienna.
01 A strange/peculiar place Pomnik Armii Poznań, a place suggested by Kuba Hajzler, skateboard rider, “owner of the best style no comply trick (...)” performed also on the blades of the monument Between Kutrzeby and Księcia Józefa Czarna Kula, “bowling, alcohol and liquor with soul”, a place suggested by Kuba Bąk – the author of Urban Traverse an old programme at the local student Afera Radio, and an incontrovertible expert of peculiarity in the urban and almost rural areas of Poznań Piastowska 40A
strange Done!
02
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A restaurant with no stars Imbis for taxi drivers U Róży on a sunny midday (you may also consider it a strange/peculiar place, but for some it is just an everyday pleasure or routine) Targowisko Bema, between Olimpijska and Dolna Wilda streets Pergola wine house Marcelińska, 43
03
The best hot chocolate and apple tart at Kwadrat – Vegetarian & Vegan Restaurant Woźna 18
A hidden secret Would I share it?
restaurant
secret
Done!
Done!
04
A shot of vodka with a stranger Kisielice Taczaka, 20
vodka
Done!
05 A place to chill Take a walk along Warta River
06
Cafe Palmiarnia (Palm House) Matejki 18
A non-studio dance venue Anywhere or on weekend evenings in WOSK Garncarska 4
chill-out
club
Done!
Done!
07 A must-have souvenir A postcard with goats, available from any post office
08
souvenir
A market: flea, fruit, veggie? Rynek Jeżycki
Done!
Or for the best beetroots go to Vita Natura Zeylanda 11
09
The biggest flea market in town is at Stara Rzeźnia (the old slaughterhouse) Garbary 101/111. Entrance from Północna street
A highlight not to be missed Some of experimental music concerts at Rysy – Social Club Woźna 2/3
market
A goat fight everyday at 12:00 a.m. at the Old Market Stary Rynek 1
Done! 55
don’t miss
Done!
10 A remote area worth going to Szachty and Stara Cegielnia situated in Junikowski stream valley in the southern part of the city Głogowska and Glinianki crossing
11
remote
A place where you can find me Jeżyce district
find me
56
Done!
Done!
12 An after studio leisure spot/temple of relaxation During spring and summer time, try a beer outside at Nastawnia PoC Pub/Cafe/Restaurant Park Wieniawskiego On freezing cold winter evenings, chill and eat at a cosy place with few people at Ptasie Radio Kościuszki 74 Rataje and Warta River for spring and early summer, especially beautiful just before sunset Between Królowej Jadwigi and Przemysła I bridges
relax Done!
13
A local flavour Bar Mleczny Kuchcik (traditional Polish milk bar) Św. Marcin 75
local flavour Done!
14 The best potatoes Cymes Restaurant – gzik z pyrami (potatoes with cottage cheese) Woźna 2
potatoes Done!
15
Something a bit artsy? Squat OD:ZYSK Paderewskiego 1 Galeria Piekary Dziedziniec Różany Centrum Kultury Zamek, Św. Marcin 80-82
artsy Done!
16
The nightlife Ask anyone from Old Brewey New Dance office at Art Stations Foundation – they know how to party!
nightlife
17
Done!
Do not try this/do not go there Sphinx restaurants and the Old Market Square during summer weekends, far too crowded
avoid Done!
18
Place your finger on the map! Simply explore!
explore Done!
Check out the Google maps version: 57
goo.gl/maps/jt3Ad
Excerpts from the interview with Joanna Leśnierowska conducted by Andreea Căpitănescu, eXplore Dance Festival director and WASP – Working Art Space & Production curator. Interview first published on waspmagazine.com
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Andreea Căpitănescu: How does daily consumerism meet contemporary dance and art in a former industrial space in Poznań? A shopping mall and contemporary art come together in a former industrial space. From a Western perspective (the border with Germany has its inevitable influence) it was a practical choice and a good business decision to create a new cultural space. From an Eastern perspective (which in my opinion tends to be too analytical and critical sometimes, triggered more by the sensitive part of the body, loosing sight of the future) it looks like a compromise. Tell us a bit about how the space was reconverted. Was it a 100% private initiative or did the state/city also support it? Joanna Lesnierowska: Once upon a time, somewhere in a not too big city of some fairly big Eastern European country, there was a visionary business woman and art collector, Grazyna Kulczyk. At the end of the last century in the heart of the town she bought the ruins of the Hugger Brewery whose origins dated back to the year 1844 when Ambrosius Hugger – a brewer from Württemberg – arrived in Poznań (in those times under the German occupation, as was the whole of North-West Poland). Following Mrs Kulczyk’s passion for arts, from the outset the idea of restoring the historical complex of the former brewery included a vision for a place where, as we often like to say, life meets art, and led to the creation of the Art and Business Center, known as Stary Browar / the Old Brewery. Parallel to the restoration of the original red brick buildings which are more than a hundred years old and with the reconstruction of already destroyed premises (that became a shopping mall/business part), the small gallery building has been designed to host a contemporary art exhibition directly connected and inspired by Mrs Kulczyk’s collection. At the same time, the best preserved part of the brewery – the multi-storey Słodownia building (Malthaus) – has been thought of as the main building of the art centre to be, with a top level turned into a performing studio – the first regular dance space in Poland, operating throughout the whole year and dedicated to promotion, presentation and support for the development of contemporary choreography. We started to work in 2004, the year when the Art Stations Foundation by Grażyna Kulczyk was established to run the exhibiting and performing arts programme based in Stary Browar. The initiative is totally private and the foundation’s activities are possible only due to the genuine desire and support of Mrs Kulczyk.
AC: How do the Art Stations Foundation and Stary Browar work together? What is the connection between the two? JL: Beside the fact that our activities are based in Stary Browar (and we rent spaces from the firm managing the complex) there is no other formal link. It is Grażyna Kulczyk, the owner, who brings together the two initiatives, but our activities – activities of a non-profit cultural foundation (even though at first sight set in a specific environment) – are totally independent. I’d call a connection to the shopping mall a friendly, sympathetic coexistence. And we sometimes use the Stary Browar’s public spaces for our outdoor activities as well. AC: Within the Art Stations Foundation you curate and host the dance programme Old Brewery New Dance, including a festival, a residency programme, productions and presentations, alternative education programmes, the Polish Dance Platform, etc. A lot of activities which have developed a growing audience and brought back to Poland many Polish young artists who studied abroad in recent years. What is the “secret” behind it? Aside perhaps from the fact that it’s easy to live in Berlin and perform back home in Poland, at a one-hour distance... JL: For years we have been experiencing in Poland an exodus of the most talented young artists. Due to the lack of higher education programmes in dance, they left the country for international schools and simply had no reason to come back. There was no (and actually there still is not) any serious chance for a regular professional dance life. The situation is slowly changing. You can now study dance in the country also, but there is still no substantial financial support for local artists (surprisingly, dance-wise, Poland seems a land obsessed with carnivals and festivals rather than daily dance and choreographic practice, but isn’t this more of a common disease everywhere?). No serious infrastructure for dance has been developed (considering the population of 40 million people and such a big territory, with quite a good understanding of performing
59
Even though the foundation operates as a regular NGO, and as such has all legal possibilities to apply for public money, our potential to secure a substantial budget is limited; therefore, the regular operation of the place cannot rely on it. And while the projects within the fine arts field seem natural due to the lifelong passion of the founder, support for avant-garde dance and choreography is pretty unique and, therefore, I believe even more meaningful, making it a patronage in the full sense of the word. Thus, it has afforded art, which had hitherto been very poorly supported and underdeveloped, exciting new opportunities to grow and break from isolation from international communities and local audiences - a chance to regularly follow the development of both international and Polish choreography.
60
arts, we do not have any official national dance centre and the hundreds of theatres are not interested in presenting dance on their stage) and there is still no professional education for choreographers. Worse still, in the common understanding, choreography is not considered an art form and profession you should study, but rather a function within dance production and a natural step for a dancer in his life (or even a traditional way of retiring from a performing career). What is more, due to political circumstances, as in other Eastern European countries, we faced years of isolation of the Polish community and dance scene from rest of Europe, so both Polish artists and audiences have not been exposed to the dynamic changes of the international scene, to various choreographic approaches and current trends, not to mention choreographic reflection and discourse. Obsessed for years with “dance theatre� (I have inserted the quotations marks deliberately to point out that its aesthetics did not have much in common with what we could associate with classical Tanztheater, but rather with some mix of hyper-emotionality and narrative quite common for Eastern Europe), Poland was not a place in which a graduate of an international school, especially with a choreographic profile, had much to do. In this specific local landscape, it is novel to establish a place like our studio in Stary Browar, with its consequent artistic profile and interest in avant-garde choreography, the first regular dance venue and a platform for artistic dialogue, research, creation and choreographic reflection. Such an endeavour must have been somewhat shocking and, with its radical change, it must have brought hope for some long-awaited normality to the local community as well as to all those that left the country and would like to come back but did not feel they had a real chance or reason before now. To come back, even if not for good (although many really decide to do so and actively engage in the hard work of changing the Polish dance reality), then at least to be able to share their work with local audiences and find support for their research here. And let us not forget that the life of a young producer is not easy in all parts of the world, and every new opportunity is more than welcome. Also, Poland has its own rich culture, language, sensitivity, incredible theatre tradition, great music and interesting visual arts field, and many artists are really eager to confront their own heritage and develop their art in this very particular context! However, the programme and formats I created were never designed for Polish graduates of foreign academies! A diploma does not automatically work as a passport to Stary Browar. To be honest, having the chance to meet and also work with many young graduates of different schools, in my view, the value of academic academic dance (and choreographic) education is slightly overrated. I am generally interested in young dance
artists who want to become choreographers and, alongside talent and some necessary willingness, are first of all: open-minded, ready to take artistic risks and dig deep in search of individual voice, open to dialogue and reflection (and self-reflection) on the art of making dance. For that, you do not necessarily need to possess a special license… From the outset I have also showed a concern for those promising Polish artists (not only youngsters) who never left and did not go through any formal education (the long list of our residents and scholarship holders really proves this).
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I promote and support talent and hard work, and I believe (no matter how akin to a truism it sounds) that becoming a choreographer is a complex (and often lifelong) process… And it is this very process that interests me the most. And to discuss and create the best possible conditions for it – a professional, safe, but also constructively critical environment – I consciously devoted the performing programme of the Art Stations Foundation known as Old Brewery New Dance.
COLLECTION Athens (GR) Barcelona (ES) Bassano del Grappa (IT) Dresden (DE) London (GB) Paris (FR) Poznań (PL) Stockholm (SE) Toulouse (FR) Vienna (AT)
MODUL-DANCE PROJECT MANAGEMENT Mercat de les Flors Project leader Francesc Casadesús
Project advisor Ulrike Kuner
Project assistant Mara Maso
Communication manager Sílvia González
Lleida, 59
ES · 08004
Tel. + 34 932 562 600
Project manager Amélie Louys
modul-dance.eu
Coordination of the guide at Poznan: Mikołaj Maciejewski Printed in 2014 MODUL-DANCE PARTNERS adc Genève CH (associated partner) - Art Stations Foundation Poznań PL - CDC Toulouse FR CND Paris FR - Centro per la Scena Contemporanea Bassano del Grappa IT - Dance Gate Lefkosia Cyprus CY - Dance Ireland Dublin IE - Dansens Hus Stockholm SE - Dansehallerne Copenhagen DK - DeVIR/CAPa Faro PT - DDRC Athens GR - HELLERAU-Europäisches Zentrum der Künste Dresden DE - Kino Šiška Ljubljana SI - Maison de la Danse Lyon FR - Mercat de les Flors Barcelona ES - Plesna Izba Maribor SI - Danshuis Station Zuid Tilburg NL - Tanzhaus NRW Düsseldorf DE Tanzquartier Wien AT - The Place London GB
modul-dance Poznań, an artist’s-eye view
This work programme has been funded with the support of the European Commission. This publication reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be hold responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.