29.05.2026, 30.05.2026, 31.05.2026, 4.06.2026, 6.06.2026, 7.06.2026
The Woods
An international theatre co-production on memory and responsibility
1/5
events Programme
The Woods is an international theatre co-production developed by FestivALT, Teatr Polski im. Hieronima Konieczki in Bydgoszcz, and Necessary Angel Theatre Company in Toronto. Written by Michael Rubenfeld and directed by Alan Dilworth, the play follows a family living in isolation many years after a devastating war, exploring questions of memory, historical trauma, responsibility, and the ethics of representing difficult histories.
The production premiered on 30 May 2026 at Teatr Polski in Bydgoszcz following a rehearsal period involving artists from Poland and Canada. Each performance was accompanied by discussions with the creative team, giving audiences an opportunity to reflect on the themes of the play and the artistic process behind its development. The production was later invited to the 30th International CONTACT Theatre Festival in Toruń, one of Poland's leading international theatre festivals.
The premiere attracted considerable interest from theatre professionals and specialist media. Reviews highlighted the production's international collaboration as well as its approach to questions of historical responsibility, reconciliation, and public memory. Critics also noted that the play avoids being tied to one specific historical event, allowing audiences to relate it to different historical and contemporary contexts.
An important aspect of the project was the collaboration between artists from Poland and Canada. Bringing together different artistic and cultural perspectives, the production demonstrated how international cooperation can contribute to new approaches to difficult heritage and public remembrance.
Following its premiere, The Woods received positive critical reception and was recognised for its contribution to ongoing discussions on memory, historical responsibility, and the representation of difficult heritage. Its presentation at the International CONTACT Theatre Festival further expanded the project's reach to theatre professionals and international audiences.
📸Natalia Kabanow, Patryk Chenc
