How is ENCOUNTER seen by the students of the Palacký University in Olomouc
The Encounter Festival has always been a place to encounter new opinions, inspiration and most importantly, to discover that there are lots of theater enthusiasts in the world. One didn‘t have to feel unaccompanied when there was the passion for the art of theater for him. Each and every student looked forward to sharing new experiences and knowledge in the thematic interface of theater each year. At first sight, it appears the ongoing situation that afflicts everyone does not allow us to share all those things we used to enjoy. Just as the whole last year was filled with things that happened for the first time, The Encounter Festival went online. It was a huge step into the unknown, both for creators and spectators who attended the festival regularly.
A tradition that does not die
Since 1991, the students of theatre schools have been meeting right at the festival. It grew, flourished and matured more than anyone would ever expect. By the time the festival evolved, other countries and new creators started to join the team. Last year, it was supposed to be the festival‘s anniversary- jubilee, but due to a worldwide pandemic, it could not take place at all in the end. The hope for a moment spent together was dashed until the creators of the festival said “enough!” finally. They had to face the problem, decided to take the bold step and make the festival online. As Armstrong once said: “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.” And the step is what separates us all from the new revolution of sharing the passion for art.
Theatre. The students. Giving such a great responsibility to them needs lots of courage and confidence, thanks to which the festival still works. The students of different specializations participate in the preparation process and running of the festival, including the freshmen both from the departments of JAMU or from our university, for instance. We are just getting to know the things we have to deal with, discovering and hoping that what we enjoy doing is an enjoyment for the others as well, and the trust given us will not be a disappointment. Will it work? Won’t it? Will something bad or great arise? Nothing ventured, nothing gained, but the rest of the proverb is not said so often…
This year’s theater ticket is a ticket to the unknown
Not only are we in the online version of the festival for the very first time, the new version occurs in another way, including the theatre tickets, as well as the flight tickets which we will definitely look forward to seeing this time. It is some kind of mental support for all of us, whatever situation are we dealing with. Keeping in touch with people around us, whether they are in the Czech Republic or abroad, is definitely important. We are very pleased to be able to develop ourselves thanks to the festival as well as to support the creativeness of all the participants even this year.
The power of ENCOUNTER
The Encounter Festival is still alive and also passes on its liveliness to the others. It is thus a symbol of commitment – to the theater; to something we love and consider as a part of our lives; to the traditions we do not want to abandon. It represents the power of art that refuses to give up in any situation. It becomes a space for finding new alternatives and overcoming the obstacles. We can feel its tenacity that has no boundaries, and that is how it should be. It shows us optimism and hope for a better tomorrow, moreover, it makes us stronger and more prepared for the future.
Even though we will be happy to meet in person the next year, we should always remember this year as a good one, because it proves the power of The Encounter Festival genuinely.
Bára Erben
Zuzana Macourková
Sára Poloučková
Anežka Staňková