The Branch Campus in Białystok of the Aleksander Zelwerowicz National Academy of Dramatic Art in Warsaw was established in 1975. Since 1978, it has educated students in acting and directing, and since 2018 also in puppet theatre technology. The head of the Branch Campus is Vice-Rector prof. dr hab. Artur Dwulit.
The Białystok school is considered one of the most influential in Europe. It provides students with contact with outstanding artists from Poland and abroad and initiates artistic and research projects. The school serves as a generator of innovation and a laboratory for new practices in both teaching and the arts.
An international biennale has been held in Białystok since 1979—the Festival of Puppetry Schools—which regularly brings together over 200 young artists. The school also develops international programmes in puppet theatre studies, engages in initiatives promoting accessibility for people with special needs, and works towards more democratic and ethical approaches to education and artistic practice.
Balladyna 68 – in a slightly shortened version
In the sky
There is God… I will forget there is, I will live
As if God did not exist.
Juliusz Słowacki, Balladyna
The performance presents the story of Balladyna – but not the merciless one from Juliusz Słowacki’s original. This adaptation is based on the version by Jeremi Przybora, where classic literature meets absurdity, and grand literary gestures collide with puppet-theatre detail. Here drama mixes with farce, and murder with grotesque. Every year Balladyna rises from the grave like a high-school-exam specter, haunting teachers and terrorizing Polish literature instructors. Loneliness has become her curse, memories – her torture.
In this monodrama, the heroine recounts the path she had to take to sit on the throne.
Is her ruthlessness allowed to be funny? Where is the boundary between power and madness?
Warning! Some scenes may be disturbing for vegetarians.
Length of production: 40 minutes
Production language: Polish, English subtitles
Crew
Directing: Lada Borovska
Technical support: Victoria Yefremova
| Tuesday 14/04/2026 |
|---|
| 13:00 |
| Balladyna 68 – in a slightly shortened version The Goose on a String Theatre, basement stage |
| 15:00 |
| Balladyna 68 – in a slightly shortened version The Goose on a String Theatre, basement stage |
| Wednesday 15/04/2026 |
|---|
| 08:30 |
| Discussion The Chillout Room |
| 13:00 |
| Balladyna 68 – in a slightly shortened version The Goose on a String Theatre, basement stage |
