How is ENCOUNTER seen by students of The Academy of Performing Arts in Bratislava
Another experience with the European theatre scene!
It’s a bit strange for me to watch the play and not be able to applaud, or even hear the whispers from the seats behind me or next to me. I still haven’t gotten used to the “empty feeling” without live theater during this bizarre and difficult year and to not having my detailed evening “talks” about my impressions from the performances I’ve just attended.
However, I think that the 31st year of the international festival Setkání / Encounter has definitely tried to enable the audience as well as the creators to have the best theatrical experience possible, even if only in a virtual environment. You have my admiration and respect for that!
Even though I was not able to dance or laugh with a group of new people at this or that great Setkání / Encounter party due to the online version of the festival, I have already seen several European productions of talented theatergoers, e.g. Hády- touching the past, This is not your Karenina, Isolation No. 250, The Karamazov Brothers, etc. It was a top ride again, dear friends…dear Brno!
I’m already looking forward to making a note with the date of your 32nd year, improving my English and starting to wait impatiently. Hope I’ll see you all in person, I still believe in it!
Dominika Horváthová
THE FURIOUS RIDE NAMED SETKÁNÍ / ENCOUNTER!
The International Festival of Theatre Schools SETKÁNÍ/ENCOUNTER in Brno gives a unique opportunity to get acquainted with the poetics of a number of unique young theater performers from all around the world! By just one click you can start gaining inspiration freely. This year’s festival selection is really wide … Armenians? The Swiss? Italians or Poles?…an astonishing perspective on life and the world is guaranteed in all of their productions!
Besides that, the one I loved the most this year was the Czech monodrama This is not your Karenina directed by Russian director Alexander Minajev and a student of theatre direction from JAMU, Daniela Samsonová. 21st century Karenina played by Hana Drozdová was a sensual femme fatale. She was evoking compassion, but acted irritated and outraged at the same time. Setkání/Encounter is a great choice for those who are looking for adventure! The diverse variety of poetic plays, concerts and discussions guarantees a truly furious ride around the world in less than 96 hours!
Petronela (Ela) Brotková
My first time at the SETKÁNÍ / ENCOUNTER festival
As the name of the Setkání / Encounter festival evokes, encountering new cultures and young people who are united by their passion for theater is what this event should be about. It is extremely important to remember that despite the difficult situation the students and artists have to struggle with, there is still the possibility of having a virtual meeting. I am able to “travel” to Serbia and then to Armenia during one evening, and the next day I go to Italy, even if just online. I appreciate the effort the organizational team put in and despite all the ups and downs they’ve made a place for us to enjoy the art of theatre once again.
Adam Nagy
WE ARE NOT AS INDIFFERENT AS THEY SAY
Festival Setkání / Encounter, under normal circumstances happening in Brno, went online this year rarely. It has brought art schools from all over the world together. Although the programme was available to the general public without the need to travel to Brno, I missed the authentic festival atmosphere. That is not the artists‘ nor the organizators‘ fault of course, you all have my admiration for not giving up but taking full advantage of the situation. I specifically appreciated the production of Saint Joan from Poland that by showing the historical events background and poetical masterpiece displayed the problems and issues that concern us all. It looks like our generation cares more than the society thinks it does. We are able to discuss the themes even the “powerful” ones of this world ignore. I was also amazed by the Germans, who staged the issue of Portuguese colonization with the help of a non-academic lecture and performance. Thanks to both, I hope that we will be able to take responsibility for our actions finally, talk openly about the future, but above all, learn from history.
P.S. I believe we will meet in person next year!
Dominika Dudášová