Workshop UN-MASKING: Who Are You When Nobody Is Watching?

A playful mask workshop for 12-18 years old, exploring identity through masks, movement and improvisation. Part of the 19th Polish Arts Festival 2026 UN-MASKING: Playing Someone Else, Becoming Yourself is a theatre project of Justyna Cwojdzinska, inspired by the provocative and mischievous writing of Polish writer Witold Gombrowicz. Through UN-MASKING, Justyna explores the roles, expectations and “forms” we take on in the presence of others — and what might happen when we dare to step outside them. What if, for a moment, you could step outside yourself? Leave behind the roles you play every day and try on someone completely different. This playful theatre workshop invites you into the world of UN-MASKING, a performance inspired by the provocative and mischievous writing of Polish writer Witold Gombrowicz, exploring identity, expectations and the roles we take on. Through movement, theatre games and improvisation, you’ll experiment with neutral, grotesque, abstract and ceremonial masks, discovering how changing your face can change the way you move, communicate — and even see yourself. What happens when your face disappears? Can your body speak before you do? Can a mask give you permission to be more playful, daring or simply different? Fragments from UN-MASKING will offer glimpses into the performance and its exploration of identity, belonging and the many “forms” we wear around others. No acting experience or stage confidence is needed. Just bring your curiosity and willingness to play.