Wlodzimierz Staniewski and the Phenomenon of “Gardzienice”

This book provides a comprehensive overview of the Gardzienice theatrical company and its evolution, focusing on their recent production, The Wedding, which reflects Staniewski's stage language and explore the performative potential of liveness. It includes essays by prominent practitioners and theoreticians, directors notes, conversations, archival materials, and visual coverage.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 416 pages
Publication date: 29 January 2024
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This book provides a comprehensive and in-depth exploration of the contemporary status and evolution of the Gardzienice theatrical company. It serves as a focal point for a retrospective discussion on the company's development, with a particular focus on their most recent production, "The Wedding." Premiered at the festival commemorating the 40th anniversary of the company, "The Wedding" showcases many of the significant achievements of Staniewski's stage language and his ability to explore and expand the performative potential of live performance.

The study is comprised of essays by renowned practitioners and theorists of theatre, directors' notes, conversations with Staniewski and other company members, selected archival materials, and extensive visual coverage. It is anticipated to hold great interest to students and scholars in the fields of theatre and performance studies.

The Gardzienice theatrical company has a rich history and has played a significant role in the development of Polish theatre. Founded in 1971 by Zbigniew Staniewski, the company has produced a wide range of plays, including classic works by Shakespeare, Chekhov, and Gorky, as well as contemporary plays by Polish and international authors.

One of the key characteristics of Staniewski's stage language is his emphasis on the physicality and movement of the actors. He believes that the body is the primary instrument of expression in theatre and that the actors should be trained to use their bodies to convey emotions, ideas, and characters. This approach has led to the creation of a unique and dynamic theatrical style that has been praised by critics and audiences alike.

Over the years, the Gardzienice theatrical company has undergone several changes and developments. In the early years, the company focused on producing traditional plays and was known for its meticulous attention to detail and technical expertise. However, in the late 1980s and early 1990s, the company began to experiment with new forms of theatre, including performance art, multimedia, and interactive theatre.

One of the most significant productions of the Gardzienice theatrical company in this period was "The Wedding," which premiered in 1992. The play was written by Staniewski and was based on a novel by the Polish author Jerzy Kosinski. "The Wedding" was a groundbreaking production that fused traditional theatrical elements with contemporary visual and sound design. The play featured a cast of actors who were trained in the Staniewski method, and the production used a range of techniques, including projection, lighting, and sound, to create a immersive and dynamic experience for the audience.

Since "The Wedding," the Gardzienice theatrical company has continued to produce innovative and challenging works. They have collaborated with other artists and organizations, including musicians, visual artists, and filmmakers, to create interdisciplinary productions that explore a wide range of themes and issues.

In conclusion, this book offers a valuable insight into the contemporary state of the Gardzienice theatrical company and its evolution. It provides a comprehensive examination of the company's production history, stage language, and artistic approach. The study is enriched by essays by prominent practitioners and theorists of theatre, directors' notes, conversations with Staniewski and other company members, selected archival materials, and substantial visual coverage. It is a valuable resource for students and scholars in the fields of theatre and performance studies and will be of great interest to anyone who is interested in the development of contemporary theatre.

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032050614