This collaborative work is the centerpiece of the 2024–2025 Romania-Poland Cultural Season, a program fostering cultural exchange between the two countries.
Toaca marks the first large-scale collaboration between the Polish and Romanian dance scenes, highlighting the work of three internationally acclaimed Romanian choreographers: Mădălina Dan, Andrea Gavriliu, and Ștefan Lupu.
Together with the Polish Dance Theatre ensemble, they explore themes rooted in Romanian cultural heritage through dance, music and theatrical elements.
Anna Koczorowska of the Polish Dance Theatre emphasized the unique perspectives each choreographer brings to the production. She explained that Toaca is a triptych, with each segment standing alone while contributing to a cohesive whole.
"The invited choreographers interpret Romania’s cultural and theatrical legacy in diverse ways, blending traditional elements with contemporary techniques," Koczorowska said. "They challenge stereotypes and reexamine their homeland's image."
The production is the result of workshops conducted by the Romanian choreographers with the Polish ensemble.
Following its Poznań debut during the 6th "1 Page - 1 Look - 180 Seconds" International Festival, organized by the Polish Dance Theatre, Toaca will tour dance festivals in Romania.
'We share a cultural language'
Ovidiu Dajbog-Miron, director of the Romanian Cultural Institute in Warsaw, highlighted the significance of the cultural season, the first of its kind between Poland and Romania.
Running from June 2024 to October 2025, the initiative features reciprocal showcases of artistic works in both countries.
Polish artists will appear at major festivals and exhibitions in Romania, while Romanian creators will present their work in Poland.
The season operates under the motto "We Speak a Common Language."
"Collaborative productions are essential for fostering long-term relationships between artists and cultural institutions,” Dajbog-Miron said. "Before World War II, Poland and Romania shared a border; today, we share a cultural language."
The Romania-Poland Cultural Season is jointly organized by the Romanian Ministry of Culture, the Romanian Cultural Institute, the Polish Ministry of Culture and National Heritage, and the Warsaw-based Adam Mickiewicz Institute, with support from the Polish Institute in Bucharest.
(rt/gs)
Source: PAP, culture.pl