INNA BAJKA FESTIVAL. NEIGHBORLY TOWN OF THE BORDERLAND
INTERNATIONAL PROGRAM
EL GOMA
„THE GRATEST HITS”
„THE ATARI SHOW”
El Goma is a talented comedian and juggler, originally from Argentina and living in Germany for 15 years. He began his career on the streets of Buenos Aires in 2000. Since then he has performed in 35 countries on 4 continents. He specializes in comedy improvisation, based on witty, absurd humor and lively interaction with the audience. He often references pop culture in his shows, and his gags are aimed at both children and adults. He juggles very skillfully and with undeniable charm - both with objects, as well as with soundtracks and audience emotions.
THE BALLTAZAR
“ORKEST BAZAR”
Belgian group founded in 2003 and consists of Hans Vanwynsberghe, a joggler and an acrobat, Jef Scheepers, a multi-instrumentalist, a composer of theatre, jazz and symphonic music, and Thomas Decaesteck, an acrobat and a musician. “Orkest Bazar” refers to a tradition of a wandering theatre, creating a spectacular show full of acrobatics, jugglery, magic and music (string bass, piano, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, flute, ukulele, and drums), in which the most important part is interaction – inviting audience to share fun.
MATTHIAS ROMIR
“LIFE IS SHORT STORIES”
Matthias Romir graduated from circus schools in Würzburg and Budapest. He co-worked, among others, with Tiger Lillies'Freakshow, and currently he works with Circus Quantenschaum. He is known for his musical narration style of jugglery, creating a performance on the edge of clownery, subject theatre, and video art, as well as for his unique dark humor. His performance “Life is Short Stories” consists of visual anecdotes about “very normal craziness” of everyday life. His stories are sometimes concrete, sometimes abstract, sometimes very loud, sometimes quiet, sometimes funny, and sometimes sad. Using no words, the artist deals with fears and hopes of a human being who tries to set themselves free of restrictions at the same time looking for support and safety.
CIA EL CRUCE
”PUNTO Y COMA”
Spanish group El Cruce was established as a result of a meeting of Nicoletta Battaglia and Ruben Rio, who were both members of an artistic association La Hoja. They created together more than ten programs which combine various forms and styles. The team’s performances are based on visual actions and develop a peculiar poetic aura filled with suggestions and symbolism, subtly playing out the tensions between the fragility and mystery of fears, desires and relationships, presenting a personal interpretation of the comedy of the absurd treated with seriousness. “Punto y Coma” draws inspiration from expressionism delving into concepts of “culture” and “knowledge”, simultaneously searching for poetic and expressive opportunities of modern circus and physical theatre. El Cruce unwraps original language that conveys ideas and emotions in a funny, risky and terrifyingly absurd way, sharing a unique experience with live audience.
THEATRE PLAYS
UKŁAD FORMALNY THEATRE
“TOWARDS THE SUN”
Układ Formalny is a theatre created by the students and graduates of Wrocław-based schools: The Academy of Theatre Arts, The Academy of Art, and The Academy of Music.
Once upon a time… actually today as the Sun arose, a mayfly Jętka was born. Tiny size doesn’t stop her from making great plans. Her dream is to shower in drops of dew on a different meadow, to buzz the loudest in the world, win the time flying competition, and visit every apartment in the city. There’s just one problem… Our protagonist doesn’t know yet that all mayflies from her family live for one day only. She only has time till sunset to complete all her dreams. Jętka’s story shows that with help of friends anything’s possible even in just one day. The play familiarizes children with subjects of going away and loss in an approachable, funny, and inapparent way. “The circle of life relates to all of us, maybe thanks to the story of brave Jętka, it will be easier to answer difficult questions from children”
KATARZYNA JACKOWSKA ENEMUO, ALEKSANDRA RÓZGA, MARTA MAŚLANKA
„CLOUD WEAVER”
Katarzyna Jackowska Enemuo is an author („Cloud Weaver”, “In between the world and the underworld”, “In between heaven and earth”), musician, storyteller, nomad mother, and culture anthropologist. Her award-winning tale “Cloud weaver” was written based on an authorial play created together with Aleksandra Rózga and Mateusz Szemraj.
It’s a story about free Auroras that use a sun light to spin a thread of human fate. And about incredible adventures of two siblings. It’s about dreams, closeness, trust, and that everyone has their own way of dealing with obstacles and difficult situations. Colorful play in a form of a narrative performance with live music and active audience that accompanies the protagonists in their journey.
EMILIA RAITER, ŁUKASZ SZYPKOWSKI
“TRIP INTO THE BUGGER”
“LOST ROAD”
Emilia Raiter is a harpist, storyteller, teacher, creator of narrative-musical plays, and Łukasz Szypkowski is a storyteller, Hellenist, and chansonnier. Together they present two programs, for younger audience (6+), and for a bit older (12+).
“Trip into the Bugger” is a play based on Michał Lipszyc’s book and Zofia Beszczyńska’s poetry. In some land live creatures called Hedgehogshrieks. Their relish are muzzles with butter (collected from Butterland). And so, they live in hiding. Nevertheless, it turns out that three of them: What, How, and Where are immensely curious. One time they started wandering where the words come from. However, no one is able to answer them. Thus, they set off to discover this secret.
“Lost road” is based on unfinished story from J.R.R. Tolkien. Alboin is an unusual boy just like his name. Every day he lays on the shore of western sea and looks out for something from behind the farthest horizon. He spends his adolescence on learning languages, Greek, Latin, Welsh, Old Icelandic, Old English, and many others. He’ll become a professor. However, the most unusual thing are his dreams: about sunken land – Atalante, Numenor. In those dreams he hears long forgotten languages, that haven’t been heard for ages, languages older than the world.
STREET PERFORMANCES
KACPER DANGER
“FOOL”
Kacper Danger has been doing circus art for 13 years. He creates his own plays, makes choreographies, builds props, and designs costumes. He performed over 2000 times. His “Fool” is a truly comedic treat that mixes master jugglery, acrobatics, and surprising jests – all of it will provide unforgettable fun for the audience.
MARCIN “EX” STYCZYŃSKI
“FIRE BREATHING SHOW”
Marcin “Ex” Styczyński specializes in fire shows. He is one of the very few artists that breathes fire during street performances and has a rare ability to belch flames in a constant way. He has 12 years of experience as a circus artist, showing his performances over 200 times within a year, and performing in 25 countries. During his show the audience will see a brave protagonist in orange outfit who juggles, circles emblazed ropes, swallows burning torches, teaches how to blow balloons, and most importantly belches fire.
SZTUKMISTRZE FOUNDATION
“SZAFA SHOW”
Sztukmistrze Foundation was established to act for culture and new circus art development. They fulfill their mission by, among others, doing workshops, courses, and organizing international artist exchange and festivals. “Szafa Show” is a twisted, crazy, street performance. The show is full of gags and interactions with the audience, crossing the lines between a fire theatre, cabaret, and street theatre. Ninja, Panda, and Principal Santiago have been traveling with their fire circus (probably the only one in the world) around Poland and abroad for years, as their show was presented at the EXPO 2015 in Milan (Principal Santiago speaks GREAT Italian, though he only knows about 6 words). This year is the group’s jubilee year, as it’s their 10th tournee. They are still trying to do a legendary El Jumpo De la Fuego de la Muerte, which is a jump through a burning circle and one day they will definitely succeed. They also try to save jellies from being eaten by Panda, but they will probably never succeed…
RED SUITCASE THEATRE
“HERE AND NOW”
Red Suitcase is an organization working on the verge of theatre, social animation, and art therapy. A huge part of Red Suitcase’s activity includes making theatre plays – mostly in a current of children theatre, street theatre, and also reaching for means of alternative theatre. The play “Here and Now” tells a story of a clown Rufi Rafi who invites young audience to a common fun.
ALE CIRCUS DANCE COMPANY
“MECHANICS”
Ale Circus Dance Company is a professional group working on the verge of theatre, dance, and circus. The show “Mechanics” lets the audience behind the closed doors of the car workshop. Prose of life: a mysterious indagator light rekindles, the engine starts to sputter, the machine stops. The only thing left to do is to get the car fixed and wish for a gentle verdict written on a receipt… “Mechanics” were created for one purpose only: to bring entertainment and smile to every audience. Funny plot is built on rhythmic actions, acrobatics that use sound and car, unconventional pyrotechnics and jugglery, as well as interactive fun with the audience who will see for themselves that “check engine” can be a start of an incredible adventure.
INTERACTIVE INSTALLATIONS
LOVELASY
“SECRET LIFE OF NOCTURNAL ANIMALS”
“NIGHT OWL EXPEDITION”
The author of both trips/installations is Marta Król, yearslong teacher, educator, nature animator, author of innovative educational projects based on Forest Education: “Time for forest”, “Forests instead of classes”, creator of the firm LoveLASy whose mission is to bring nature closer to younger and older.
“Night Owl Expedition” is an incredible journey that will take you into the heart of a nocturnal forest for a meeting with these mysterious birds. We’ll set off with flashlights ready to discover the unknown (enriched with artistic installations hidden in the forest) world. During this atypical trip, we’ll try to answer questions such as: Does an owl say Hoo Hoo? Why doesn’t it fly away to warm countries? What does it mean that it has a cryptic plumage? And: why is it such an effective hunter? A guide will accompany you the entire way, sharing interesting facts about these extraordinary birds and conducting an interactive field-performative game. Remember that the safety of children during the expedition is a priority, so please bring flashlights, warm clothes and tea in a thermos so that you can comfortably enjoy the night adventure. The expedition is dedicated to children aged 5-11 with a guardian.
“Secret life of nocturnal animals” is a great opportunity to discover secrets and establish a positive relation with nature. Why does a beaver have orange teeth? When is bat not upside down? What is the size of frogspawn? And where does the hedgehog go at night? It’s just a few of matters that we’ll search the answers for during our nocturnal trip through a magic forest. This unique expedition is prepared in the form of an interactive field game combined with artistic installations - joining it is a simultaneous consent to experience the magic of the night and to discover the secrets of nature by everyone. Don’t forget to equip yourself with flashlights, warm clothes and tea in a thermos to ensure comfort during this adventure. The expedition is dedicated to children aged 5-11 with a guardian.
MUSICON
“MUSICON ADVENTURE”
MUSICON is an incredible instrument invention. One of its kind because it plays and is dedicated to children. It can be named atypical instrument or incredible music machine, as it allows spontaneous fun with sound, creating and playing your own music piece. The creator od MUSICON is Kamil Laszuk, a designer and a musician. Together with his sister, Ida Laszuk, they created a project of the instrument and accomplished it. MUSICON has won numerous awards at design competitions, for instance in Singapore, New York and Copenhagen. It combines 5 well-known methods of music education – elements of the Suzuki, Kodaly, Gordon, Orff and Dalcroze methods. The creators invite children for 45 minutes of fun in two age groups: 3-5 years and 6-10 years.
CONCERTS
MARIA DĄBROWSKA, OLEK RÓŻANEK, BURAKURA ENSAMBLE
„GREAT COMEBACK OF PIPI THE PIRATE”
Spectacular, unstoppable, too cool for school, demonic, fearless, empathetically demanding, performatively astonishing, decisively anarchistic, and endlessly dynamic Pippilotta Viktualia Rullgardina Krusmynta Efraimsdotter Långstrump is coming back to Szczecin’s music stage! Even though it’s been 75 years since she was born and 16 years her debut in the Pleciuga theatre, then no arthritis is able to stop this huge explosion of energy, vocal virtuosity, and punk-rock mix of sounds from capturing the audience during this amazing concert. Maria Dąbrowska in the role of Pippi will be accompanied by a traditional pirate ensemble, with the participation of comrades from the brigandine "Burakura", as well as such suspicious guys from the South Seas as Olek Różanek. In the historical repertoire: songs by Konrad Dworakowski and Piotr Klimek from the play "Pippi the Pirate" and from the program "Songs to play on the nose". It will be un-pedagogical, revolutionary, enthusiastic and antihygienic. When fear shakes your pants, take them off and come quickly!
TĘGIE CHŁOPY
“RACKET”
Tęgie Chłopy band refers to the best patterns – traditional bands that used to play on weddings and barn dances – in their repertoire and instrumentation. The band’s name is a musical declaration: as primarily there play "chłopy" (guys) from Kielce - three-dimensional, cantabile melodies typical of the eastern Kielce region, also called "światówki" or "śpiwy". Tęgie Chłopy want to play to dance so that "the ceiling rises". They have released three albums so far: Dansing (2015), Wesele! (2017,) and Rakieta! (2021). - an album with songs "not only for children", which won the Polish Radio phonographic competition for the Folk Phonogram of the Year 2021. "Rakieta", with current lyrics by Marcin Żytomirski, the band’s violinist - like a great Pixar fairy tale, captivates audiences of all ages. More than half a century after the first landing of man on the moon and 14 years after the invention of the iPhone, rural music has an undiminished power to captivate. It moves, makes you think, entertains, stimulates movement and creativity. Songs created for interstellar travel, rich in macroelements of laughter and - equally necessary for health - microelements of sadness, tell the adventures of plants, animals and musicians of the planet Earth.
DEUTSCH POLNISCHER CHOR HORYZONT
Horizon is a line between a land and a sky. In reality this line doesn’t exist, it’s only an illusion. Deutsch Polnischer Chor Horyzont wants to highlight conventionality and evanescence of the borders between people, and in art… The foundation of creating the group was willingness to bring closer two neighbors: Poles and Germans. It’s an amateur choir, whose members meet mainly for the pleasure of making music together, often experimenting and searching for new sound solutions thanks to pieces composed by the conductor: Paweł Kornicz. The singing of the Horyzont choir has appeared on two CDs so far: “Supernova” with the Gamelan Percussion Orchestra and the M. Karłowicz Philharmonic and “Świdwie Sanctus” (project directed by Piotr Biniek), as well as in the film “Pieśn Bielika” (directed by Piotr Biniek, music by Paweł Kornicz) awarded, among others, at the Kick-Off International Film Festiwal in the category “film music”.
SUTARI
“LULLABIES FOR THE WORLD”
The program of the concert presents a material from the newest album of the band Sutari and it refers to one of the oldest vocal traditions – lullabies. It’s musical dialogue with modernity, filled with the sounds of traditional instruments, polyphonic melodies, and trance rhythms. Just like a parent singing lullabies to their kids, they hand over love, knowledge and protection spells. Artists weave chansons, spells to expel evil and calls for peace. Sutari band consists of: Basia Songin (vocal, Wolf, Owl, drums, looper), Kasia Kapela (vocal, violin, kankles, drums, beatbox), Dobromiła Życzyńska (vocal, violin, drums). Artists experiment with various vocal techniques, create their own instruments, and research the musical potential of everyday use objects. They arrange traditional polish chansons and compose their own songs based on diverse musical traditions of females. The trio has been nominated twice for the Fryderyk award in the category of "World Music" and has been nominated many times for the "Folk Phonogram of the Year". The artists are also laureates of the "New Tradition" competition. They have collaborated with bands such as Bastarda, Hańba! Barbatuques (BR) and El Buho (UK). In 2017, they produced a session for the cult radio station KEXP Seattle.
WORKSHOPS
Registration for the workshops: inna.bajka.festival@gmail.com
CIRCUS TOWN FRIKART
Lots of hours of great fun that doesn’t bore, but shapes personality, develops passion, encourages sport activities, and teaches correct body posture. In Circus Town children have an opportunity to learn secrets of circus art on various stands. The stands are simultaneously operated by professional animators trained to work with children, which is why we ensure maximum safety. Nice circus!
Circus Town includes: circus tent – the center of the town; enormous soap bubbles zone, along with bubbles generator; tightrope walking construction; juggling lessons; stilt walking lessons for both younger and older; Pedallo bikes; Rola Bola; skis to walk in pairs; a roller slide; 10 boards with arcade games; and a shooting range.
BLACK SHEEP
We’re pleased to invite all adults and children… there will be a lot going on! Knitting and crocheting! Anyone interested can join us and turn skeins of crewel into scarves, hats, socks, sweaters, and whatever else you dream of. We will exchange experience, show our works, learn something new, and teach anyone interested to knit and crochet. Despite opinions that only grandmas knit, handiworks are popular. We’re keeping up with the times. Knitting needles and crochet hooks when compared to the old days, are a completely other tale. And crewels…! These are no longer acrylics and string “zeros”! Crewel colors… a fairy tale!
POTTER’S WHEEL WORKSHOP
Maciej Tumanowicz, an instructor in Pałac Młodzieży in Szczecin will brief anyone interested into secrets and magic of making (using precise and almost invisible movements) jugs, bowls, and cups on a potter’s wheel.
KLEX
As an artist I work in a lot of various fields and techniques, but my favorite activity is giving an opportunity to younger and older to demonstrate their individual creativity. Thus, you can use my motifs and your ideas to create postcards, and small graphics using linocut and stamp print in my “pop-up” printing workshop.
“ATTENTION! WORKSHOPS!”
Classes that mix fictile, music and sensory movement activities, thanks to which participants will gain a knowledge in the field of sending, interpreting, and transmitting verbal and visual messages. The aim is to build mutual relations and interpersonal awareness. The workshops will be led by people prepared, educated, and experienced in working with young people. The entire class is integrative and bonding experience for the group. The most important element during the session is to emphasize your individuality as a person, who is a part of the whole. The classes consist of conducting simple games, such as paintings, singing, and building cooperation in the group and stimulating creativity, both through elements of competition and supporting individual creative invention.
“I’M NOT AFRAID OF THE MONSTER”
Great adventure in a dream land! Take out your travel backpack from a closet, collect scattered crayons, take the imagination out from under the bed, vacuum curiosity, and catch some sun rays. We go against fears, monsters, and nightmares! We’ll discover how to face them and that its’ not as scary as it seems! We’ll dance, draw, macgyver, and get to know ourselves through fun. The workshop will be led by Anna Nowicka – a dancer, choreographer, dance and yoga instructor. She says about herself that she’s interested in work on the edge of imagination and various fields of art.
Workshops for children aged 8-12 who identify with the pronouns "she/her" (transgender children are also welcome). Directing the invitation exclusively to girls is related to the belief that working in a group with people who identify with the pronouns "she/her" can be a unique opportunity for an artistic meeting and physical activities in a relaxed atmosphere, while in a group of individuals sharing the same gender identity. Such meetings are rare these days in the context of children. And although a huge part of children's developmental issues are shared regardless of gender, the history of emancipation of women and girls is different from that of boys and men. In our society, there’s still a distinct difference in how boys and girls can use their voice, and what each group is allowed and forbidden to do. Girls and boys also have their own baggage of associations related to their gender identity. The "I'm not afraid of the monster" workshop has the ambition to create a place to strengthen the "voice" of girls, by working in an atmosphere of safety, freedom, trust and openness.
“WHAT’S IN THE GRASS”
– A FAMILY WORKSHOPS BY TETTERE FOUNDATION
This meeting will be divided into two parts – participation in both is independent. The starting point for our activities is the book “The story of a little ant” which we produced together with Kaja Cykalewicz-Licak for the Pleciuga Puppet Theatre as a part of the project “NAJbliżej natury”. In the first part of the meeting, we will read the book, and we will invite everyone to moving activities referring to the plot of the book (there will be, among others, games connected to forest animals). In the second part – if the composition of the group changes – we will start with the book, and then we will go for fictile activities adjusted to a possibility of a development of all participants.
KLEXOGRAPHY MACHINE
Drawing using a specially constructed crank machine. Paints pouring onto a swirling surface create a picturesque image resembling mandala. Each image is unique, and even the youngest children can achieve rewarding effect. We offer painting pictures on paper (economic version without frames and a version with frames) or on a canvas bag (please bring your own bag). The workshop will be led by a famous Clown Rufi Rafi from the Red Suitcase Theatre.
SENSOPOTTERY
Outdoor, creative fun with clay. With attention not only to effect itself but to the process, and all that’s happening along the way. With a use of grass, leaves, sticks, birds singing, and the rustle of trees. The workshop will be led by Magdalena Kucharska who has been holding art classes for children (especially the youngest ones) in Pałac Młodzieży in Szczecin since 2001, encouraging them to create, draw, paint, form, construct, experience, and have fun.
“FILAMENT GUY ADVENTURES”
What will the filament protagonist do? Where will he take off? What will he tell? The workshops will bring the participants closer to the technique of animation. The workshop will be led by Agnieszka Czachrowska from Pałac Młodzieży in Szczecin, who introduces herself as follows: I believe that education is a great adventure – and that it is more complete when we give ourself a support in a form of art. So, people can know themselves better. To express themselves. To like themselves. I conduct classes combining education, art, and upbringing. I focus on a development of passion, creativity, and process of cooperation. I’m fascinated by a sound, which is a huge ally of imagination.
“SUNNY FATE THREAD”
– about our own ways of dealing with difficult situations.
Workshops with children with guardians.
Emotions – nice ones and sad ones – accompany all of us, small and big. And everyone sometimes encounters things that aren’t nice or easy. And then – they just are and we all have our own ways of dealing with them. Starting from “Cloud Weaver” tale, using games, and methods rooted in a storytelling art and theater, we will take a closer look at these emotions and situations. And we unarm and domesticate them a little. And most importantly we will find and take home the best (because it’s ours) and available ways for everything what’s happening to us – our sunny thread that we always have by our side. The workshop is led by Katarzyna Jackowska Enemuo and is intended for child-guardian pairs, for children over 6 years of age.
“BECOMING POTATOES”
Interactive lunch, collaborative storytelling, and lecture performance about the botanical origins of us and potatoes, cultures and global relevance in the kitchen and world politics. The author Annika Stadler is an artist and an activist.
ACCOMPANYING EVENTS
DANCE HOUSE
WĘDROWIEC
A traditional dance party alluding to a rural style dance, which has become an iconic event held as part of the Tournament of Real Musicians organized by Szczecin Philharmonic. The meeting, which refers to the tradition of making music together, will be a platform for mutual integration between the participants of the Tournament and the Inna Bajka Festival. The event will begin with a workshop of traditional dances, which the participants will be invited to.
The movement of Dance Houses was born in Poland in the 1990s as an alternative to the official spread of folklore (folk bands, county harvest festivals, feast music) inspired by live music and archival recordings. The event will be led by Wędrowiec band – the winners of the Tournament of Real Musicians in 2023.
ANTYGRAWITACJA FOUNDATION
“TOTENTANZ CIRCUS”
We are all members of languishing circus group. We’re constantly reviewed in the eyes of the audience. Sometimes applauded, other times ridiculed, often at odds with our own intentions. It is no different in Totentatz Circus, where the actors in their mischievous personas become allegories of everyday life from which they try so hard to distance themselves. A worn-out, colorful costume will not cover up a poverty, challenging the law of gravity in stunts will not stop falling bombs, and carmine lips won’t stretch into an authentic smile.
The Dance of Death, not only opens and closes the performance, its delicate involuntary rhythm, pulsates in an understatement on the verge of audibility in each scene. Just like what is hidden and mysterious, but at the same time inevitable and final, accompanies us throughout our lives.
The festival received the Honorary Patronage of the Mayor of Szczecin
The festival is co-financed by the Minister of Culture and National Heritage from the Culture Promotion Fund
The festival is co-financed from the budget of the City of Szczecin
and the Self-Government of the West Pomeranian Voivodeship
The project "Inna Bajka. Neighborhood Border Town" is co-financed by the European Union from the European Regional Development Fund (Small Projects Fund within the Cooperation Program Interreg VIA Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania/Brandenburg/Poland in the Euroregion Pomerania
INNA BAJKA FESTIVAL. NEIGHBORLY TOWN OF THE BORDERLAND
INTERNATIONAL PROGRAM
EL GOMA
„THE GRATEST HITS”
„THE ATARI SHOW”
El Goma is a talented comedian and juggler, originally from Argentina and living in Germany for 15 years. He began his career on the streets of Buenos Aires in 2000. Since then he has performed in 35 countries on 4 continents. He specializes in comedy improvisation, based on witty, absurd humor and lively interaction with the audience. He often references pop culture in his shows, and his gags are aimed at both children and adults. He juggles very skillfully and with undeniable charm - both with objects, as well as with soundtracks and audience emotions.
THE BALLTAZAR
“ORKEST BAZAR”
Belgian group founded in 2003 and consists of Hans Vanwynsberghe, a joggler and an acrobat, Jef Scheepers, a multi-instrumentalist, a composer of theatre, jazz and symphonic music, and Thomas Decaesteck, an acrobat and a musician. “Orkest Bazar” refers to a tradition of a wandering theatre, creating a spectacular show full of acrobatics, jugglery, magic and music (string bass, piano, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, flute, ukulele, and drums), in which the most important part is interaction – inviting audience to share fun.
MATTHIAS ROMIR
“LIFE IS SHORT STORIES”
Matthias Romir graduated from circus schools in Würzburg and Budapest. He co-worked, among others, with Tiger Lillies'Freakshow, and currently he works with Circus Quantenschaum. He is known for his musical narration style of jugglery, creating a performance on the edge of clownery, subject theatre, and video art, as well as for his unique dark humor. His performance “Life is Short Stories” consists of visual anecdotes about “very normal craziness” of everyday life. His stories are sometimes concrete, sometimes abstract, sometimes very loud, sometimes quiet, sometimes funny, and sometimes sad. Using no words, the artist deals with fears and hopes of a human being who tries to set themselves free of restrictions at the same time looking for support and safety.
CIA EL CRUCE
”PUNTO Y COMA”
Spanish group El Cruce was established as a result of a meeting of Nicoletta Battaglia and Ruben Rio, who were both members of an artistic association La Hoja. They created together more than ten programs which combine various forms and styles. The team’s performances are based on visual actions and develop a peculiar poetic aura filled with suggestions and symbolism, subtly playing out the tensions between the fragility and mystery of fears, desires and relationships, presenting a personal interpretation of the comedy of the absurd treated with seriousness. “Punto y Coma” draws inspiration from expressionism delving into concepts of “culture” and “knowledge”, simultaneously searching for poetic and expressive opportunities of modern circus and physical theatre. El Cruce unwraps original language that conveys ideas and emotions in a funny, risky and terrifyingly absurd way, sharing a unique experience with live audience.
THEATRE PLAYS
UKŁAD FORMALNY THEATRE
“TOWARDS THE SUN”
Układ Formalny is a theatre created by the students and graduates of Wrocław-based schools: The Academy of Theatre Arts, The Academy of Art, and The Academy of Music.
Once upon a time… actually today as the Sun arose, a mayfly Jętka was born. Tiny size doesn’t stop her from making great plans. Her dream is to shower in drops of dew on a different meadow, to buzz the loudest in the world, win the time flying competition, and visit every apartment in the city. There’s just one problem… Our protagonist doesn’t know yet that all mayflies from her family live for one day only. She only has time till sunset to complete all her dreams. Jętka’s story shows that with help of friends anything’s possible even in just one day. The play familiarizes children with subjects of going away and loss in an approachable, funny, and inapparent way. “The circle of life relates to all of us, maybe thanks to the story of brave Jętka, it will be easier to answer difficult questions from children”
KATARZYNA JACKOWSKA ENEMUO, ALEKSANDRA RÓZGA, MARTA MAŚLANKA
„CLOUD WEAVER”
Katarzyna Jackowska Enemuo is an author („Cloud Weaver”, “In between the world and the underworld”, “In between heaven and earth”), musician, storyteller, nomad mother, and culture anthropologist. Her award-winning tale “Cloud weaver” was written based on an authorial play created together with Aleksandra Rózga and Mateusz Szemraj.
It’s a story about free Auroras that use a sun light to spin a thread of human fate. And about incredible adventures of two siblings. It’s about dreams, closeness, trust, and that everyone has their own way of dealing with obstacles and difficult situations. Colorful play in a form of a narrative performance with live music and active audience that accompanies the protagonists in their journey.
EMILIA RAITER, ŁUKASZ SZYPKOWSKI
“TRIP INTO THE BUGGER”
“LOST ROAD”
Emilia Raiter is a harpist, storyteller, teacher, creator of narrative-musical plays, and Łukasz Szypkowski is a storyteller, Hellenist, and chansonnier. Together they present two programs, for younger audience (6+), and for a bit older (12+).
“Trip into the Bugger” is a play based on Michał Lipszyc’s book and Zofia Beszczyńska’s poetry. In some land live creatures called Hedgehogshrieks. Their relish are muzzles with butter (collected from Butterland). And so, they live in hiding. Nevertheless, it turns out that three of them: What, How, and Where are immensely curious. One time they started wandering where the words come from. However, no one is able to answer them. Thus, they set off to discover this secret.
“Lost road” is based on unfinished story from J.R.R. Tolkien. Alboin is an unusual boy just like his name. Every day he lays on the shore of western sea and looks out for something from behind the farthest horizon. He spends his adolescence on learning languages, Greek, Latin, Welsh, Old Icelandic, Old English, and many others. He’ll become a professor. However, the most unusual thing are his dreams: about sunken land – Atalante, Numenor. In those dreams he hears long forgotten languages, that haven’t been heard for ages, languages older than the world.
STREET PERFORMANCES
KACPER DANGER
“FOOL”
Kacper Danger has been doing circus art for 13 years. He creates his own plays, makes choreographies, builds props, and designs costumes. He performed over 2000 times. His “Fool” is a truly comedic treat that mixes master jugglery, acrobatics, and surprising jests – all of it will provide unforgettable fun for the audience.
MARCIN “EX” STYCZYŃSKI
“FIRE BREATHING SHOW”
Marcin “Ex” Styczyński specializes in fire shows. He is one of the very few artists that breathes fire during street performances and has a rare ability to belch flames in a constant way. He has 12 years of experience as a circus artist, showing his performances over 200 times within a year, and performing in 25 countries. During his show the audience will see a brave protagonist in orange outfit who juggles, circles emblazed ropes, swallows burning torches, teaches how to blow balloons, and most importantly belches fire.
SZTUKMISTRZE FOUNDATION
“SZAFA SHOW”
Sztukmistrze Foundation was established to act for culture and new circus art development. They fulfill their mission by, among others, doing workshops, courses, and organizing international artist exchange and festivals. “Szafa Show” is a twisted, crazy, street performance. The show is full of gags and interactions with the audience, crossing the lines between a fire theatre, cabaret, and street theatre. Ninja, Panda, and Principal Santiago have been traveling with their fire circus (probably the only one in the world) around Poland and abroad for years, as their show was presented at the EXPO 2015 in Milan (Principal Santiago speaks GREAT Italian, though he only knows about 6 words). This year is the group’s jubilee year, as it’s their 10th tournee. They are still trying to do a legendary El Jumpo De la Fuego de la Muerte, which is a jump through a burning circle and one day they will definitely succeed. They also try to save jellies from being eaten by Panda, but they will probably never succeed…
RED SUITCASE THEATRE
“HERE AND NOW”
Red Suitcase is an organization working on the verge of theatre, social animation, and art therapy. A huge part of Red Suitcase’s activity includes making theatre plays – mostly in a current of children theatre, street theatre, and also reaching for means of alternative theatre. The play “Here and Now” tells a story of a clown Rufi Rafi who invites young audience to a common fun.
ALE CIRCUS DANCE COMPANY
“MECHANICS”
Ale Circus Dance Company is a professional group working on the verge of theatre, dance, and circus. The show “Mechanics” lets the audience behind the closed doors of the car workshop. Prose of life: a mysterious indagator light rekindles, the engine starts to sputter, the machine stops. The only thing left to do is to get the car fixed and wish for a gentle verdict written on a receipt… “Mechanics” were created for one purpose only: to bring entertainment and smile to every audience. Funny plot is built on rhythmic actions, acrobatics that use sound and car, unconventional pyrotechnics and jugglery, as well as interactive fun with the audience who will see for themselves that “check engine” can be a start of an incredible adventure.
INTERACTIVE INSTALLATIONS
LOVELASY
“SECRET LIFE OF NOCTURNAL ANIMALS”
“NIGHT OWL EXPEDITION”
The author of both trips/installations is Marta Król, yearslong teacher, educator, nature animator, author of innovative educational projects based on Forest Education: “Time for forest”, “Forests instead of classes”, creator of the firm LoveLASy whose mission is to bring nature closer to younger and older.
“Night Owl Expedition” is an incredible journey that will take you into the heart of a nocturnal forest for a meeting with these mysterious birds. We’ll set off with flashlights ready to discover the unknown (enriched with artistic installations hidden in the forest) world. During this atypical trip, we’ll try to answer questions such as: Does an owl say Hoo Hoo? Why doesn’t it fly away to warm countries? What does it mean that it has a cryptic plumage? And: why is it such an effective hunter? A guide will accompany you the entire way, sharing interesting facts about these extraordinary birds and conducting an interactive field-performative game. Remember that the safety of children during the expedition is a priority, so please bring flashlights, warm clothes and tea in a thermos so that you can comfortably enjoy the night adventure. The expedition is dedicated to children aged 5-11 with a guardian.
“Secret life of nocturnal animals” is a great opportunity to discover secrets and establish a positive relation with nature. Why does a beaver have orange teeth? When is bat not upside down? What is the size of frogspawn? And where does the hedgehog go at night? It’s just a few of matters that we’ll search the answers for during our nocturnal trip through a magic forest. This unique expedition is prepared in the form of an interactive field game combined with artistic installations - joining it is a simultaneous consent to experience the magic of the night and to discover the secrets of nature by everyone. Don’t forget to equip yourself with flashlights, warm clothes and tea in a thermos to ensure comfort during this adventure. The expedition is dedicated to children aged 5-11 with a guardian.
MUSICON
“MUSICON ADVENTURE”
MUSICON is an incredible instrument invention. One of its kind because it plays and is dedicated to children. It can be named atypical instrument or incredible music machine, as it allows spontaneous fun with sound, creating and playing your own music piece. The creator od MUSICON is Kamil Laszuk, a designer and a musician. Together with his sister, Ida Laszuk, they created a project of the instrument and accomplished it. MUSICON has won numerous awards at design competitions, for instance in Singapore, New York and Copenhagen. It combines 5 well-known methods of music education – elements of the Suzuki, Kodaly, Gordon, Orff and Dalcroze methods. The creators invite children for 45 minutes of fun in two age groups: 3-5 years and 6-10 years.
CONCERTS
MARIA DĄBROWSKA, OLEK RÓŻANEK, BURAKURA ENSAMBLE
„GREAT COMEBACK OF PIPI THE PIRATE”
Spectacular, unstoppable, too cool for school, demonic, fearless, empathetically demanding, performatively astonishing, decisively anarchistic, and endlessly dynamic Pippilotta Viktualia Rullgardina Krusmynta Efraimsdotter Långstrump is coming back to Szczecin’s music stage! Even though it’s been 75 years since she was born and 16 years her debut in the Pleciuga theatre, then no arthritis is able to stop this huge explosion of energy, vocal virtuosity, and punk-rock mix of sounds from capturing the audience during this amazing concert. Maria Dąbrowska in the role of Pippi will be accompanied by a traditional pirate ensemble, with the participation of comrades from the brigandine "Burakura", as well as such suspicious guys from the South Seas as Olek Różanek. In the historical repertoire: songs by Konrad Dworakowski and Piotr Klimek from the play "Pippi the Pirate" and from the program "Songs to play on the nose". It will be un-pedagogical, revolutionary, enthusiastic and antihygienic. When fear shakes your pants, take them off and come quickly!
TĘGIE CHŁOPY
“RACKET”
Tęgie Chłopy band refers to the best patterns – traditional bands that used to play on weddings and barn dances – in their repertoire and instrumentation. The band’s name is a musical declaration: as primarily there play "chłopy" (guys) from Kielce - three-dimensional, cantabile melodies typical of the eastern Kielce region, also called "światówki" or "śpiwy". Tęgie Chłopy want to play to dance so that "the ceiling rises". They have released three albums so far: Dansing (2015), Wesele! (2017,) and Rakieta! (2021). - an album with songs "not only for children", which won the Polish Radio phonographic competition for the Folk Phonogram of the Year 2021. "Rakieta", with current lyrics by Marcin Żytomirski, the band’s violinist - like a great Pixar fairy tale, captivates audiences of all ages. More than half a century after the first landing of man on the moon and 14 years after the invention of the iPhone, rural music has an undiminished power to captivate. It moves, makes you think, entertains, stimulates movement and creativity. Songs created for interstellar travel, rich in macroelements of laughter and - equally necessary for health - microelements of sadness, tell the adventures of plants, animals and musicians of the planet Earth.
DEUTSCH POLNISCHER CHOR HORYZONT
Horizon is a line between a land and a sky. In reality this line doesn’t exist, it’s only an illusion. Deutsch Polnischer Chor Horyzont wants to highlight conventionality and evanescence of the borders between people, and in art… The foundation of creating the group was willingness to bring closer two neighbors: Poles and Germans. It’s an amateur choir, whose members meet mainly for the pleasure of making music together, often experimenting and searching for new sound solutions thanks to pieces composed by the conductor: Paweł Kornicz. The singing of the Horyzont choir has appeared on two CDs so far: “Supernova” with the Gamelan Percussion Orchestra and the M. Karłowicz Philharmonic and “Świdwie Sanctus” (project directed by Piotr Biniek), as well as in the film “Pieśn Bielika” (directed by Piotr Biniek, music by Paweł Kornicz) awarded, among others, at the Kick-Off International Film Festiwal in the category “film music”.
SUTARI
“LULLABIES FOR THE WORLD”
The program of the concert presents a material from the newest album of the band Sutari and it refers to one of the oldest vocal traditions – lullabies. It’s musical dialogue with modernity, filled with the sounds of traditional instruments, polyphonic melodies, and trance rhythms. Just like a parent singing lullabies to their kids, they hand over love, knowledge and protection spells. Artists weave chansons, spells to expel evil and calls for peace. Sutari band consists of: Basia Songin (vocal, Wolf, Owl, drums, looper), Kasia Kapela (vocal, violin, kankles, drums, beatbox), Dobromiła Życzyńska (vocal, violin, drums). Artists experiment with various vocal techniques, create their own instruments, and research the musical potential of everyday use objects. They arrange traditional polish chansons and compose their own songs based on diverse musical traditions of females. The trio has been nominated twice for the Fryderyk award in the category of "World Music" and has been nominated many times for the "Folk Phonogram of the Year". The artists are also laureates of the "New Tradition" competition. They have collaborated with bands such as Bastarda, Hańba! Barbatuques (BR) and El Buho (UK). In 2017, they produced a session for the cult radio station KEXP Seattle.
WORKSHOPS
Registration for the workshops: inna.bajka.festival@gmail.com
CIRCUS TOWN FRIKART
Lots of hours of great fun that doesn’t bore, but shapes personality, develops passion, encourages sport activities, and teaches correct body posture. In Circus Town children have an opportunity to learn secrets of circus art on various stands. The stands are simultaneously operated by professional animators trained to work with children, which is why we ensure maximum safety. Nice circus!
Circus Town includes: circus tent – the center of the town; enormous soap bubbles zone, along with bubbles generator; tightrope walking construction; juggling lessons; stilt walking lessons for both younger and older; Pedallo bikes; Rola Bola; skis to walk in pairs; a roller slide; 10 boards with arcade games; and a shooting range.
BLACK SHEEP
We’re pleased to invite all adults and children… there will be a lot going on! Knitting and crocheting! Anyone interested can join us and turn skeins of crewel into scarves, hats, socks, sweaters, and whatever else you dream of. We will exchange experience, show our works, learn something new, and teach anyone interested to knit and crochet. Despite opinions that only grandmas knit, handiworks are popular. We’re keeping up with the times. Knitting needles and crochet hooks when compared to the old days, are a completely other tale. And crewels…! These are no longer acrylics and string “zeros”! Crewel colors… a fairy tale!
POTTER’S WHEEL WORKSHOP
Maciej Tumanowicz, an instructor in Pałac Młodzieży in Szczecin will brief anyone interested into secrets and magic of making (using precise and almost invisible movements) jugs, bowls, and cups on a potter’s wheel.
KLEX
As an artist I work in a lot of various fields and techniques, but my favorite activity is giving an opportunity to younger and older to demonstrate their individual creativity. Thus, you can use my motifs and your ideas to create postcards, and small graphics using linocut and stamp print in my “pop-up” printing workshop.
“ATTENTION! WORKSHOPS!”
Classes that mix fictile, music and sensory movement activities, thanks to which participants will gain a knowledge in the field of sending, interpreting, and transmitting verbal and visual messages. The aim is to build mutual relations and interpersonal awareness. The workshops will be led by people prepared, educated, and experienced in working with young people. The entire class is integrative and bonding experience for the group. The most important element during the session is to emphasize your individuality as a person, who is a part of the whole. The classes consist of conducting simple games, such as paintings, singing, and building cooperation in the group and stimulating creativity, both through elements of competition and supporting individual creative invention.
“I’M NOT AFRAID OF THE MONSTER”
Great adventure in a dream land! Take out your travel backpack from a closet, collect scattered crayons, take the imagination out from under the bed, vacuum curiosity, and catch some sun rays. We go against fears, monsters, and nightmares! We’ll discover how to face them and that its’ not as scary as it seems! We’ll dance, draw, macgyver, and get to know ourselves through fun. The workshop will be led by Anna Nowicka – a dancer, choreographer, dance and yoga instructor. She says about herself that she’s interested in work on the edge of imagination and various fields of art.
Workshops for children aged 8-12 who identify with the pronouns "she/her" (transgender children are also welcome). Directing the invitation exclusively to girls is related to the belief that working in a group with people who identify with the pronouns "she/her" can be a unique opportunity for an artistic meeting and physical activities in a relaxed atmosphere, while in a group of individuals sharing the same gender identity. Such meetings are rare these days in the context of children. And although a huge part of children's developmental issues are shared regardless of gender, the history of emancipation of women and girls is different from that of boys and men. In our society, there’s still a distinct difference in how boys and girls can use their voice, and what each group is allowed and forbidden to do. Girls and boys also have their own baggage of associations related to their gender identity. The "I'm not afraid of the monster" workshop has the ambition to create a place to strengthen the "voice" of girls, by working in an atmosphere of safety, freedom, trust and openness.
“WHAT’S IN THE GRASS”
– A FAMILY WORKSHOPS BY TETTERE FOUNDATION
This meeting will be divided into two parts – participation in both is independent. The starting point for our activities is the book “The story of a little ant” which we produced together with Kaja Cykalewicz-Licak for the Pleciuga Puppet Theatre as a part of the project “NAJbliżej natury”. In the first part of the meeting, we will read the book, and we will invite everyone to moving activities referring to the plot of the book (there will be, among others, games connected to forest animals). In the second part – if the composition of the group changes – we will start with the book, and then we will go for fictile activities adjusted to a possibility of a development of all participants.
KLEXOGRAPHY MACHINE
Drawing using a specially constructed crank machine. Paints pouring onto a swirling surface create a picturesque image resembling mandala. Each image is unique, and even the youngest children can achieve rewarding effect. We offer painting pictures on paper (economic version without frames and a version with frames) or on a canvas bag (please bring your own bag). The workshop will be led by a famous Clown Rufi Rafi from the Red Suitcase Theatre.
SENSOPOTTERY
Outdoor, creative fun with clay. With attention not only to effect itself but to the process, and all that’s happening along the way. With a use of grass, leaves, sticks, birds singing, and the rustle of trees. The workshop will be led by Magdalena Kucharska who has been holding art classes for children (especially the youngest ones) in Pałac Młodzieży in Szczecin since 2001, encouraging them to create, draw, paint, form, construct, experience, and have fun.
“FILAMENT GUY ADVENTURES”
What will the filament protagonist do? Where will he take off? What will he tell? The workshops will bring the participants closer to the technique of animation. The workshop will be led by Agnieszka Czachrowska from Pałac Młodzieży in Szczecin, who introduces herself as follows: I believe that education is a great adventure – and that it is more complete when we give ourself a support in a form of art. So, people can know themselves better. To express themselves. To like themselves. I conduct classes combining education, art, and upbringing. I focus on a development of passion, creativity, and process of cooperation. I’m fascinated by a sound, which is a huge ally of imagination.
“SUNNY FATE THREAD”
– about our own ways of dealing with difficult situations.
Workshops with children with guardians.
Emotions – nice ones and sad ones – accompany all of us, small and big. And everyone sometimes encounters things that aren’t nice or easy. And then – they just are and we all have our own ways of dealing with them. Starting from “Cloud Weaver” tale, using games, and methods rooted in a storytelling art and theater, we will take a closer look at these emotions and situations. And we unarm and domesticate them a little. And most importantly we will find and take home the best (because it’s ours) and available ways for everything what’s happening to us – our sunny thread that we always have by our side. The workshop is led by Katarzyna Jackowska Enemuo and is intended for child-guardian pairs, for children over 6 years of age.
“BECOMING POTATOES”
Interactive lunch, collaborative storytelling, and lecture performance about the botanical origins of us and potatoes, cultures and global relevance in the kitchen and world politics. The author Annika Stadler is an artist and an activist.
ACCOMPANYING EVENTS
DANCE HOUSE
WĘDROWIEC
A traditional dance party alluding to a rural style dance, which has become an iconic event held as part of the Tournament of Real Musicians organized by Szczecin Philharmonic. The meeting, which refers to the tradition of making music together, will be a platform for mutual integration between the participants of the Tournament and the Inna Bajka Festival. The event will begin with a workshop of traditional dances, which the participants will be invited to.
The movement of Dance Houses was born in Poland in the 1990s as an alternative to the official spread of folklore (folk bands, county harvest festivals, feast music) inspired by live music and archival recordings. The event will be led by Wędrowiec band – the winners of the Tournament of Real Musicians in 2023.
ANTYGRAWITACJA FOUNDATION
“TOTENTANZ CIRCUS”
We are all members of languishing circus group. We’re constantly reviewed in the eyes of the audience. Sometimes applauded, other times ridiculed, often at odds with our own intentions. It is no different in Totentatz Circus, where the actors in their mischievous personas become allegories of everyday life from which they try so hard to distance themselves. A worn-out, colorful costume will not cover up a poverty, challenging the law of gravity in stunts will not stop falling bombs, and carmine lips won’t stretch into an authentic smile.
The Dance of Death, not only opens and closes the performance, its delicate involuntary rhythm, pulsates in an understatement on the verge of audibility in each scene. Just like what is hidden and mysterious, but at the same time inevitable and final, accompanies us throughout our lives.
The festival received the Honorary Patronage of the Mayor of Szczecin
The festival is co-financed by the Minister of Culture and National Heritage from the Culture Promotion Fund
The festival is co-financed from the budget of the City of Szczecin
and the Self-Government of the West Pomeranian Voivodeship
The project "Inna Bajka. Neighborhood Border Town" is co-financed by the European Union from the European Regional Development Fund (Small Projects Fund within the Cooperation Program Interreg VIA Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania/Brandenburg/Poland in the Euroregion Pomerania