20.06.2026
Memory. History. Trauma.
An interdisciplinary discussion on memory, theatre, and inherited trauma
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events Programme
The seminar Memory. History. Trauma. took place on 20 June 2026 at the Polish Theatre in Bydgoszcz as a public event accompanying the performances of The Woods and Twilight of the Gods. Organised by FestivALT, the seminar created a space for interdisciplinary discussion on memory, history, intergenerational trauma, and the role of theatre and artistic practice in engaging with difficult heritage.
The discussion was moderated by Beniamin M. Bukowski, playwright, dramaturg, and Head of Literary Programming at the Polish Theatre in Bydgoszcz. The panel featured Alan Dilworth, director of The Woods; Michael Rubenfeld, playwright and performer; Professor Tomasz Kawski of Kazimierz Wielki University; Waldemar Raźniak, director of Twilight of the Gods; and Joanna Węsierska, psychologist and Gestalt psychotherapist specialising in trauma-informed practice.
The conversation explored how historical violence continues to shape contemporary societies, how trauma is transmitted across generations, and how cultural institutions and artists can engage audiences in dialogue about complex and contested histories. Drawing on their professional backgrounds in theatre, history, and psychology, the speakers reflected on different ways of working with memory and historical experience.
Audience participation formed an important part of the seminar. The discussion concluded with an extended question-and-answer session, during which participants connected the themes of the two productions with contemporary conflicts, public responsibility, democratic resilience, and the politics of memory.
The seminar was simultaneously interpreted between Polish and English, enabling meaningful participation by both Polish and international speakers and audiences. By bringing together artistic practice, historical research, and psychological perspectives, the event demonstrated the value of interdisciplinary collaboration in deepening public engagement with memory, history, and the interpretation of difficult heritage.
