The Scena Supernova theater appeared in 2017, initially located on Gazova Street, later moving to a building at Zyblikiewicza 12/4. Throughout this time, Scena Supernova has been collaborating with Ukrainian projects and actors, and after a full-scale invasion, it became a hostel for Ukrainian refugees for several months.
Director and playwright Jakub Kowalik discusses intercultural collaboration, the activities of the independent institution, and Ukrainian accents in the theater for the portal UAinKrakow.pl.
Daily Activities of the Theater
The theater is located on the first floor of a historic townhouse. On the right is an art gallery, and on the left is the theater apartment, which houses the main hall, the actors’ dressing room, and our shared space where we’ve set up a bar. Occasionally, we also stage performances in our inner courtyard.
The theater is entirely independent, and we can do whatever we want. We stage performances that we like and invite actors of our choice. Formally, we operate as a foundation, governed by four people, but in practice, many more individuals are involved.
Professional actors who perform regularly at the Ludowy Theater come to us because they want to try something modern. We also have beginners who have completed acting courses and individuals involved in performance art. The gallery is managed by a girl from the Krakow Academy of Fine Arts, and we also have a group of actors from the Academy of Theatre Schools who come to us.
We have a group of 30 volunteers who assist in the theater, selling tickets, working at the bar, or helping with cleaning. In return, they receive the opportunity and space to bring their theatrical ideas to life.
We bring together a diverse group of artists, forming a mix of different generations: old and young, professionals and beginners. In my opinion, the combination of such diverse individuals creates an artistic community!
Assistance to Ukrainian Refugees
From the very beginning of the theater’s creation, we have participated in several performances as part of the „East-West” festival. Later, Kirill started coming to our theater, organizing screenings of psychedelic Soviet cartoons. He attracted a large audience, including artists from Ukraine.
After the full-scale invasion, we began organizing accommodation for refugees. Initially, our acquaintances brought in one family, and then more started to arrive. We organized volunteers and later began going to the train station, picking up entire families by taxi. In total, we have provided housing for around 100 people during this time.
Women and children slept in the theater hall, in the dressing room, and in the gray hall. In the gallery, we set up a playroom for the children. We organized a series of events called „Children of Our Neighbors,” where the kids collectively worked on puzzles, interacted with each other, or read books.
A year ago, initiatives emerged from theatrical studios. That’s when we started collaborating with a refugee from Kharkiv named Olena, who had the idea for an artistic residency. It involved art therapy sessions for women from Ukraine, during which they could learn acting techniques. This helps in adapting to a new environment.
Later on, refugees from Kharkiv who are involved in playback theater, a form of improvisational theater, began collaborating with us. In parallel, we organized many concerts, theatrical, artistic, and musical events to support institutions in Ukraine.
Families lived with us for several months, and then we searched for other housing for them outside the city. Some of them went to other countries in the West.
Theater for Ukrainian Children
Recently, a children’s theater has started operating at Scena Supernova, under the guidance of Ukrainian actress Olena. The project’s aim is to enhance communication among children. Olena conducts educational and entertaining sessions for groups of different ages, teaching body movement, and organizing physical activities.
Currently, three groups have been formed. For instance, one of them works on performances in both Polish and Ukrainian languages. Enrollment in the groups (up to 10 people) is ongoing. The cost is 30 zlotys per session, and there are 8-9 sessions per month.
To enroll a child, you can contact us by phone at +48 732 611 571.
Ukrainian-speaking actors in a Polish theater
In the play „Znaczył Kapitan,” the role of the penguin is played by Ukrainian actress Veronika. It is a silent role but crucial to the plot. Many viewers say that it’s their favorite scene because it is unexpected and even a bit magical.
Kyrylo, whom I mentioned earlier, played one of the main roles in the play „Chudy żołnierz” (The Poor Soldier). He spoke with a Ukrainian accent, and it suited his role. In my opinion, we shouldn’t limit ourselves to our own „bubble.” When it comes to accents, it all depends on how they are portrayed in a particular role.
„We are open to creative individuals in the theater: actors, directors, playwrights, musicians, set designers, and volunteers. You can reach out to us by calling or sending your CV. Alternatively, feel free to come and share your ideas. Of course, we have a selection process, and we choose what fits into the theater’s repertoire—something modern, experimental, and unconventional.”
Due to high electricity tariffs, the theater has faced a debt to TAURON that it cannot pay on its own. Therefore, you can support the theater’s activities by contributing here.
In the summer, the theater goes on vacation, but you can still visit art exhibitions or attend workshops. During the Theater Night, we will showcase four performances from Scena Supernova: 'Znaczył Kapitan,’ 'Pamięć wody,’ 'Biała radość w Harrison,’ and the monodrama 'Irina.’ Full information is available here.
This publication was prepared with the support of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). The content of this publication is the sole responsibility of UAinKrakow.pl and in no way can be considered to reflect the views of UNHCR. For more information about UNHCR and assistance available in Poland: https://help.unhcr.org/poland/uk/
You can also read this article in Ukrainian
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Text and photos: Anastasia Oleksiuk
