“Kocham Balet” opens OFF RZESZÓW in Rzeszów

20 June 2026 Poland Radar 0 Comments

The OFF RZESZÓW festival opened with Komuna Warszawa’s „Kocham Balet”, highlighting Poland’s vibrant independent theatre scene.

The OFF RZESZÓW festival opened in Rzeszów with Komuna Warszawa’s striking piece „Kocham Balet”. Moreover, the show set the tone for a five-day showcase of Poland’s independent theatre.

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What happened on opening night

On 19 June, Komuna Warszawa presented „Kocham Balet” on the main stage of the Wanda Siemaszkowa Theatre. The performance featured four former ballet dancers. They navigated classical motifs and raw personal testimony. Consequently, the piece balanced homage with critique. The choreography by Ramona Nagabczyńska drew on repertory images like Swan Lake. However, the company reframed those images into something sharply contemporary.

OFF RZESZÓW festival: program and highlights

The festival runs from 19 to 23 June. It brings independent companies from across Poland. In addition to Komuna Warszawa, the program includes Chorea, Analog Collective, and Malabar Hotel. Therefore, audiences can expect dance, physical theatre, and experimental drama. Each night offers a post-show conversation. Moreover, curator Katarzyna Knychalska will lead these talks. She runs a foundation and edits a magazine on independent theatre. As a result, the festival aims to spark exchange between artists and viewers.

Why the opening matters for expats and visitors

Rzeszów has grown into a lively cultural hub. Consequently, visitors find fresh artistic voices here. The festival shows work that rarely appears in larger commercial houses. Also, the shows often tackle social questions candidly. For expats, this offers a direct view into contemporary Polish debate. Moreover, English summaries or Q&A sessions sometimes appear. Therefore, non-Polish speakers can still engage deeply.

About the performance and its themes

„Kocham Balet” probes the paradox of love and strain in ballet. The dancers begin barefoot, then move to pointe. The shift intensifies the physical risk. Smoke, lighting, and music amplify the mood. Furthermore, critics note the show as ‘‘double-coded’’. It both celebrates dancing bodies and questions patriarchal training methods. As a result, the piece feels both beautiful and subversive.

The festival curator selected works that push form and content. Consequently, the event functions as a barometer for off-stage trends. Moreover, the program offers a mix of short and longer pieces. Therefore, it suits busy visitors and dedicated theatregoers alike.

💡 GOOD TO KNOW: If you plan to attend, note local practicalities. Tickets often sell at the theatre box office and online. Also, Poland uses PESEL for ID numbers and ZUS for social security (PESEL = national ID number; ZUS = social security agency). In addition, health coverage runs under NFZ (public health insurer). Finally, keep change for public transport and expect post-show talks to run in Polish, though some hosts may offer English summaries.

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