Theatre is Freedom | Teatr to Wolność – an open-air theatre festival as part of the UK/Poland Season 2025

Theatre is Freedom | Teatr to Wolność will take place from 5 to 21 September 2025 at Bell Square in London, presenting some of Poland’s most interesting open-air performances. The festival will open with the British premiere of Bal by Teatr KTO. The programme will also include works by Teatr Ósmego Dnia, Teatr Biuro Podróży, Teatr Migro, Teatr HOM and the Konin Dance Theatre.

The festival will showcase performances by some of Poland’s most acclaimed theatre companies. Many of them, established between the 1960s and 1990s, have toured internationally and, over the past decade, have regularly drawn audiences at Bell Square in London. 

Theatre is Freedom | Teatr to wolność also highlights a new generation of open-air theatre artists, presenting works by emerging companies. Each has been invited on the recommendation of an established and respected theatre.

— We are thrilled to present a selection of the most extraordinary examples of contemporary Polish open-air theatre at Bell Square as part of the UK/Poland Season 2025. Theatre is Freedom | Teatr to Wolność will bring new works by established companies and showcase the creativity of the most promising young theatre groups. Audiences will be able to enjoy these performances free of charge – says Jan Lennox, Director of Watermans.

— Open-air theatre is a truly democratic art form, meeting people where they are – in the heart of the city, on the street – and inviting interaction. It speaks across languages and cultures, reaching directly to the heart of the audience. Thanks to Theatre is Freedom | Teatr to Wolność, audiences at Bell Square in London will experience the energy and diversity of Polish open-air theatre. For us at the Adam Mickiewicz Institute, this is cultural diplomacy at its strongest – generous, accessible, and rooted in mutual exchange. We believe in the transformative power of these performances, which not only delight but also initiate dialogue, build trust and create connections — says Olga Brzezińska, Deputy Director of the Adam Mickiewicz Institute.

— In times of growing social and national divisions, the power of theatre should be especially valued for its ability to present reality from diverse perspectives. Performances that embody unity in diversity create a space for addressing difficult topics and foster understanding and empathy. In this context, the importance of Theatre is Freedom | Teatr to Wolność cannot be overstated — says Jerzy Zoń, Director of Teatr KTO.

The festival has been made possible through collaboration between Watermans and Teatr KTO, with the support of the Adam Mickiewicz Institute. 

Full programme of Theatre is Freedom | Teatr to Wolność

• 5 & 6 September 2025, 8:00 PM – Teatr KTO: BAL 

A performance in which dance replaces words, as the passion and dynamics of choreography carry the audience through the swinging 1930s, the tango rhythms of the 1950s, and the pulse of contemporary music. Each era tells a new story of love, dreams, and transience. Rich staging, full of detail and vivid imagery, evokes a world of times gone by. Inspired by Ettore Scola’s iconic film Le bal, the performance becomes a journey beyond the boundaries of everyday life.

• 6 & 7 September, 1:00 PM – Teatr Migro: DROM 

DROM is a poetic and philosophical tale of the journey and history of the Roma – a people whose culture and traditions can be found in almost every corner of the world. Music leads the narrative: from fiery csárdás and swing, through the melancholy of the violin, to the exuberance of flamenco. A wordless yet deeply emotional performance, it reveals the richness and mystery of Roma heritage.

• 12 & 13 September, 8:00 PM – Teatr Ósmego Dnia: Utracony Sen

Inspired by the work of Franz Kafka, this performance is an encounter with the anxiety, fear, and absurdity that permeate his prose – from The Metamorphosis and The Trial to lesser-known notes and sketches. Characters and situations emerge on stage and in the streets, confronting audiences with questions about the limits of humanity, exclusion, and alienation. This is open theatre – not only for literary connoisseurs, but also for casual passers-by – as Kafka’s worlds remain universal and painfully relevant.

• 14 September, 8:00 PM – Teatr HOM: Monsieur Charlie

A tribute to the most iconic star of silent cinema, Charlie Chaplin. Three comic shorts, echoing the aesthetics of early film, come alive with music “performed” live by a tape recorder. The performance recreates the atmosphere of The Kid, City Lights, and Modern Times, while capturing the unique charm and lightness of the silent film era.

• 19 & 20 September, 8:00 PM – Teatr Biuro Podróży: Burza 

Inspired by William Shakespeare’s play, this story explores power and its cost. In this adaptation, a woman assumes the role of the legendary Prospero – dethroned and exiled, she creates her own kingdom on a remote island, ruling over two servants: Ariel and Caliban. Using magic, Prospero brings castaways hungry for power to the island, manipulating their fate and testing the limits of human helplessness. Her carefully planned revenge, however, leads to tragedy rather than reconciliation.

• 21 September, 3:00 PM – Koniński Teatr Tańca: Sztetl

Sztetl is a dance journey into the past of Konin, where until 1883 Jews made up over half the city’s population. Through Castle Square, the Synagogue, Kramowa Street and the Library, the performance tells the story of a community that no longer exists, reflecting on memory, renewal, and the enduring significance of a heritage that has survived the passage of time. The piece is inspired by Theo Richmond’s book A Persistent Echo.

About the UK/Poland Season 2025:

UK/Poland Season 2025 is a cultural programme of unprecedented scale, featuring several dozen events across multiple cities in both Poland and the UK. Running until November 2025, the season marks a new chapter in bilateral cooperation, revitalising cultural dialogue and strengthening existing ties between the two countries. For residents of both countries, it offers a unique opportunity to explore the most exciting artistic phenomena from both sides – encompassing film, theatre, visual arts, design, and music. In Poland, the events are organised by the British Council, while in the UK – by the Adam Mickiewicz Institute, the Polish Cultural Institute, and the British Council. The organisation of the Season in the UK and Northern Ireland is supported by the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage, as well as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Poland. 

More information about the UK/Poland Season 2025 is available here.