Kedves Emőke finished a FEMMINICITY artistic residency in Wroclaw – with premiere of „Matkopolis. Spacer po braku”
Kedves Emőke finished a FEMMINICITY artistic residency in Wroclaw – with premiere of „Matkopolis. Spacer po braku”
1. Research and Text Development
The first stage of the project was one of the most crucial moments in the entire process. During this phase, we collected stories, experiences, and reflections from parents living in Wrocław. Some of these experiences were closely connected to the city itself—its urban structure, local politics, and policies related to children and caregiving—while others focused more broadly on the everyday realities of parenthood in contemporary cities.
The preparation of the research material was led by Iwona Konecka, who conducted in-depth conversations with mothers and fathers. The interviews focused mainly on how parents function within the urban environment. In addition to sit-down interviews, the research also included shared walks around the city, during which parents discussed practical challenges related to mobility, accessibility, and public space. This process resulted in a rich and diverse body of material.
The next step involved close collaboration between the researcher and playwright Sandra Szwarc, who worked with the collected material to develop the script. Szwarc employed mixed techniques: some fragments were used as direct quotations from the interviews, while others were transformed into more poetic or symbolic interpretations of the parents’ words. This material became the basis for the theatrical script Motheropolis: A Walk Around Lack.
Interviews were conducted with several parents, some of whom were also professional actresses and later participated in the final performance. The script was structured as a multi-level game in which the main character confronts unexpected obstacles, completes tasks, and navigates various limitations imposed by the city. In the final scene, the characters attempt to imagine and create an ideal place for parents and children. This symbolic new state, called “Motherpolis,” represents a community built on openness, empathy, and care—particularly toward mothers, who most often bear the primary responsibility for childcare.
2. Artistic Residency and Rehearsal Process
The second stage of the project was an artistic residency involving director Emőke Kedves from Csiky Gergely Hungarian State Theatre, who spent over three weeks in Poland. During her initial visit in August, she met with the actresses and mothers who had taken part in the interviews. Together, they spent time in playgrounds, walked through the city with strollers, and shared everyday experiences of motherhood in public space. This phase allowed the director to better understand both the character of Wrocław and the city’s attitude toward children and caregivers. The actresses also shared personal stories and reflections, while the group discussed future collaboration, working methods, and the overall shape of the project.
In November, Emőke Kedves led two weeks of intensive rehearsals with five actresses. Alongside acting work, the team developed the final version of the text, created original music and songs, and prepared visual elements for the performance. During this period, they also consciously shaped their working methods to accommodate the fact that nearly all participants were mothers. The rehearsal process took into account the need to balance artistic work with childcare, acknowledging the presence of babies and the realities of caregiving alongside professional artistic practice.
3. Premiere and Performances at Kobietostan
The rehearsal process concluded with two premiere performances on December 6 and 7, 2025. Five actresses appeared on stage, and approximately 14 people were involved in preparing the premiere. Around 100 audience members attended both performances.
MATKOPOLIS. Spacer po braku
Directed by: Emőke Kedves
Script written by: Sandra Szwarc
Artistic consultant: Iwona Konecka
Performed by: Agnieszka Bresler, Natalia Grzegorzek, Katarzyna Kapela, Joanna Kondak, Justyna Murańska
The performance took the form of a site-specific parade, during which the actresses guided the audience through various spaces. The site-specific character of the production was essential to its meaning. Spectators were asked to confront the same physical and social obstacles that parents—especially mothers—face in everyday life. One scene took place outdoors, while others unfolded in a kitchen, a main hall, and other non-traditional theatrical spaces. The performance made extensive use of walls, tables, and audience participation.
Many of the interview participants were present in the audience and heard their own words spoken on stage. During the second performance, the organization Kobietostan provided a dedicated childcare space with a caregiver/animator, allowing parents to attend the performance while their children were safe and cared for.
4. Post-Performance Discussions
After both performances, self-facilitated discussions were held, focusing on the main themes of the project—motherhood in the city—as well as on the artistic form of the performance itself. Participants sat in two concentric circles: an inner circle for those who wished to speak and an outer circle for listeners. At any moment, participants could change places and join the speaking circle.
This democratic discussion format created a safe and inclusive space for sharing personal stories and reflections. It encouraged openness, active listening, and collective exchange, extending the performance into a communal experience of dialogue and mutual understanding.
The production „Matkopolis. Spacer po braku” will be invited to Timisoara during TESZT Festival 2026.
