'LIQUID WAY TO ACTION'
PHYSICAL THEATRE & MOVEMENT EXPERIENCE WORKSHOP
6 - 13 July 2025
​​​​Through a laboratory model that dissolves the boundaries between dance and theatre, movement and action, this workshop transforms elements of physical training into creative improvisation, merging experience with physical structures.
At its core lies the principle of contradictions—a method that embraces opposing ideas as a source of discovery.
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Awaken your body, stamina, and self-awareness through this immersive and reflective experience.​​​​
By integrating these principles with the fluidity of "liquid action," we will explore stamina, instinct, and connection, both in nature and in structured practice. This workshop invites you to dive into the tensions and contrasts within your movement, allowing them to fuel your creativity and redefine the way you approach performance.
Who is it for?
This workshop welcomes participants of all levels and backgrounds, emphasizing personal growth and artistic exploration. Together, we’ll integrate individual skills, motivations, and interests, creating a shared space where your openness and determination become the foundation. In a diverse group, everyone brings and takes what they need, fostering a collaborative and enriching experience.
Performance action often emerges from the transformative journey of an idea or intuition—sometimes accidental, sometimes intricately structured. In this workshop, we’ll dive into the dynamic interplay of these creative contradictions, weaving together your unique visions with rigorous physical practice and embodied exploration.
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The practice includes:
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J. Grotowski’s legacy training adapted for 21st-century demands
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Integration of movement techniques from martial arts, theatre, and dance
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Building stamina and instinct through dynamic training and practice in nature
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Intensifying sensitivity and attunement to our bodies, partners, and the group
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A flexible approach to limitations, respecting each individual's process
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Stimulation of physical imagination and openness to new sensations
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Balancing muscle strength with awareness of body tension levels
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Evolving connections between training, creative improvisation, action composition, and performance structure​
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Rooted in years of research within Studio Matejka and inspired by Grotowski’s paratheatrical activities, this practice stands at the intersection of performance and self-reflection. It explores the human dimension of existence through action and experiment. The workshop actively tests and deepens the transformation from theatre work to the broader experience of encounter—the essence of Grotowski’s “total act.”
LOCATION
Nestled in the serene KÅ‚odzko Valley, at the foot of the Golden Mountains, this retreat offers silence, peace, and a deep connection to nature—perfect for recharging your energy and sparking creativity.
ACCOMMODATION
The cozy and stylish house features dormitories with rooms accommodating 2-10 people, several bathrooms, a spacious dining room, and a welcoming common area. Enjoy the dining and relaxation terrace, a charming sauna wagon, and the breathtaking natural surroundings. For our training and creative process, we have one indoor space, an outdoor tent, and the open beauty of nature to inspire and support our work.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
WORKSHOP DATES: 6 - 13 JULY 2025
6 July - Arrival Day, meeting at Wroclaw Main Train Station at 11am-2pm, common transport to Święty Gaj
7-12 July - Intense Workshop Sessions & Wellness
13 July - Departure to Wroclaw 11am
FEE
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600 eur / deadline passed (application & down payment till 6th of February)
750 eur / (application & down payment between 7th February-30th April)
850 eur / (application & down payment after 30th April)
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Non -refundable down payment of 150 EUR is required to reserve your place in the workshop.
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The cost of the workshop is covering everything you need for a hassle-free experience:
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Transportation: Transport from Wrocław to the hard-to-reach Święty Gaj workshop location (approx. 1h 45m drive).
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Meals and Snacks: Three daily delicious vegan and vegetarian meals, plus snacks, prepared with natural, ecological, and locally sourced ingredients. Our renowned chef ensures every dish is a memorable gastronomic experience.
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Accommodation: Cozy, stylish dorms nestled in the enchanting Klodzko Valley, surrounded by breathtaking natural views.
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Workshop Fee: Access to all workshop sessions and activities with no additional costs.
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Sauna Ceremonies: sauna wagon is avalaible at the location, we will be organising sauna ceremonies during the workshop.
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Artist stipendium discounts available.
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Additional Discounts:
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10% discount for returning students! (applies for participants who took part in previous summer workshops)
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there is limited number of stipendium discounts for students/artists/ people who demonstrate extreme financial needs especially from Poland, Ukraine and countries with currency disadvantaged from EUR.
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The places are limited. Participants will be accepted on a first come, first serve basis according to the order of application and date of the down payment.
We have limited places.
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LANGUAGE
The workshop will be led in English. The practice is based on the platform of listening and communication through the body and intuitive experience, therefore verbal explanation might be sometimes reduced to possible minimum.
TESTIMONIALS
"A fantastic and unique introduction to Grotowski led by an expert in his craft. The space was welcoming and friendly, empowering everyone to explore and push their creative boundaries ."
- Tom, participant of "Contradictions" workshop
"I found the workshop with Matej an exciting opportunity to deepen my own movement practice - challenging my ways of thinking and providing new tools to create work. His kind and passionate presence in the room challenged us in the best way. I would recommend a workshop with Matej to anyone who is interested in movement work!"
-Sanna, workshop participant
“He is a genius pedagogue of physical theater and a great researcher and innovator. … A rare artistic and poetic soul that has the power to make our world more beautiful.”
-Alexandra Kazazou, actress, director
“Precise yet open and flowing, caring but rigorous, technical and poetical, working with everybody in and through the group. An excellent teacher.” - workshop participant
“One of the most skilled and experienced teachers of physical acting in the world. … A consummate master in teaching and training actors in physical work and movement.”
-Dr. Ben Spatz, University of Huddersfield