2019 marks 100 years since the birth of Henryk Tomaszewski – choreographer, director, educator, and founder of the world-unique Wrocław Mime Theatre. Henryk Tomaszewski is widely regarded as one of the most outstanding creators and reformers of 20th-century theater, profoundly influencing both the form and development of Polish movement theater as well as dramatic theater—for example, The Lesson in the Murdered by Ionesco (staged at the Polish Theatre in Wrocław), which was considered a “masterful work.” The rich artistic legacy of the creator of Wrocław pantomime undoubtedly deserves recognition, as well as an exploration of how Tomaszewski’s artistic thinking remains relevant to theater today.

How is pantomime an attractive and contemporary form of expression? Reading interviews, articles, columns, or academic publications about Polish theater, one cannot fail to notice that Henryk Tomaszewski was an artist whose search in the field of theater continues to shape the direction for future generations of theater practitioners. Tomaszewski in the past and today, pantomime in the past and now—what remains of Tomaszewski’s ideas, who himself said: “The plant I have planted will grow differently, but it will surely live”?

We want to ask important questions and examine what remains of Tomaszewski’s legacy and how it can impact contemporary art and the language of theater. Are the expressive means he developed, the convention of ensemble pantomime, timeless? How relevant are they for a modern audience?

The program concept celebrating Henryk Tomaszewski’s 100th birthday refers to the key events in his artistic life. We will discuss his beginnings and his search for his own stage expression (competition for a directorial debut in pantomime, master workshops), highlight the spectacular aspects of his productions (performative action with the WRO Art Center in Wrocław), explore the “Tomaszewski Method,” and present Tomaszewski as a teacher and founder of the Pantomime Studio (master classes). We will also introduce the theater convention he ultimately developed—ensemble pantomime and choreographic performances based on literature (the main premiere of the anniversary celebrations). Beyond movement, we will also remember Tomaszewski’s artistic achievements outside the Wrocław Pantomime Theatre (Weekend with Tomaszewski at the Theatre Institute in Warsaw).

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ACTIONS / EVENTS

• Competition for a Directorial Debut in Pantomime

• Premiere of the Jan Klata performance

• Activities with WRO Art Center and IP Group

• Pantomime at the Theatre Institute

• Meetings

• Step-by-Step Pantomime​

 

Visual identity of the celebrations: Michał Matoszko

The 100th birthday celebration of Henryk Tomaszewski was co-financed by the Minister of Culture and National Heritage from the Culture Promotion Fund and the budget of the Lower Silesian Voivodeship.