International Theatre Festival Kontakt

Established in 1991, Kontakt is Poland’s longest-running international theatre festival – and the very first of its kind in the country. Hosted by the Wilam Horzyca Theatre, it was founded by Krystyna Meissner during a time of political and cultural transformation – just after the end of the Cold War and the fall of the Iron Curtain.

From the beginning, the Festival has sought to build artistic bridges between East and West, offering a platform for international dialogue and creative exchange.

Over the years, Kontakt has introduced Polish audiences to productions by some of the most renowned figures in contemporary theatre – presenting, for the first time in Poland, their performances. Among the artists whose work debuted at Kontakt in this way are Eimuntas Nekrošius, Rimas Tuminas, Oskaras Koršunovas, Alvis Hermanis, Alain Platel, Jan Fabre, Thomas Ostermeier, Christoph Marthaler, Sasha Waltz, Peter Stein, and Silviu Purcărete.

Recent editions have continued this tradition, featuring the work of Robert Wilson, Romeo Castellucci, Dimitris Papaioannou, Florentina Holzinger, Timofey Kulyabin, Oliver Frljić, Ivan Uryvskyi, and Eugen Jebeleanu. Our most recent special guest was John Malkovich.

Alongside its international programme, Kontakt also showcases selected Polish productions – relevant and artistically compelling. The Festival offers an opportunity to gain a concise yet insightful overview of current trends, themes and voices in Polish theatre.