European festivals Association

HOW IT ALL BEGAN

The establishment of the festival was significantly influenced by historical background. In 1989, Poland led the way for other communist countries of Eastern Europe towards independence from the Soviet Union and simultaneously began reforms aimed at introducing democratic governance. Poland became a symbolic border between the East and the West. 

A BRIEF HISTORY OF KONTAKT FESTIVAL

The festival was founded in 1991 by Krystyna Meissner, then director of the Theatre of Wilam Horzyca in Toruń. The idea of the festival was, metaphorically speaking, to stitch the East with the West. Toruń became a place of contact for creators and ideas from different parts of Europe. Hence the name of the festival – Kontakt. 

It is worth mentioning that the Kontakt Festival was the first international theatre festival in Poland and the only one in Eastern Europe. For some time, it was held biennially, but the current director, Renata Derejczyk, has restored its annual editions.

KONTAKT FESTIVAL TODAY

The Kontakt Festival is one of the most important Polish festivals and the only one inviting foreign creators on such a large scale. For 7-9 days, outstanding creators from Poland and Europe come to Toruń. There are several performances, accompanied by discussions, meetings of young directors with masters, workshops, and exhibitions.

The Kontakt Festival has always focused on young creators, providing a space for exchange between masters and theatre apprentices. As young directors, Eimuntas Nekrošius, Thomas Ostermeier, and Alain Platel once came to Toruń. 

During this year's festival, 20 performances were presented, and a total of 34 events took place, with approximately 7.000 people participating. Among the creators invited this year were, among others, Romeo Castellucci and Dimitris Papaioannou. The attendance rate was 98%.