“The Fern Flower” | performance by Teatr Latarnia
About
“The Fern Flower” by Teatr Latarnia is a unique performance inspired by a fairy tale by Ignacy Kraszewski, rooted in the Polish tradition of Midsummer Night. The main character, Jacuś, sets out in search of the titular fern flower and, in doing so, embarks on a journey toward adulthood. Along the way, he confronts both the terrors of the forest and his own weaknesses, ultimately facing a fundamental question: where does true happiness lie?
In the dark world of the forest, one can lose their way, become frightened, but also encounter their true self. Such a journey offers an opportunity to discover the truth about values and relationships. In today’s fast-paced world, we often avoid confronting our own inner darkness… but perhaps it is worth doing so?
Among the many fairy tales offered by contemporary culture, this one stands out for its depth and for an ending that avoids a comforting “happy ending.” The conclusion of Jacuś’s story is genuine, and that is precisely what makes it so moving. “The Fern Flower” radiates folk sensitivity and imagination. The audience has a rare opportunity to hear, touch, see, feel, and become part of the world of the story in extraordinary proximity to the performers.
The set design was created using, among other things, natural materials collected during journeys through the Knyszyn Forest in Podlasie, where the village of Borki – the place where the performance was developed – is located. The music is performed and created live by the actors and musicians of the ensemble using traditional instruments (pre-war hammered dulcimers, accordion, baraban drum, and others), enriched with electronic and electroacoustic effects.
In this performance, playfulness intertwines with poetry, humor with grandeur, and a story as old as time itself brings us a profound yet simple wisdom– one that is deeply needed in today’s complex world.
The performance is intended for both children and adults.
Written and directed by: Mateusz Tymura
Music: Zbigniew Rusiłowicz / Kapela Braci Rejwów
Set design: Sylwia Maciejewska
Performed by: Paula Czarnecka, Paulina Karczewska, Błażej Piotrowski, Zbigniew Rusiłowicz, Błażej Twarowski
Technical support: Michał Chrzanowski, Michał Dąbrowski, Michał Strokowski
About Teatr Latarnia
An independent theatre company bringing together several artists from among the graduates of the Białystok branch of the Aleksander Zelwerowicz National Academy of Dramatic Art. The group was founded in 2009 on the initiative of Mateusz Tymura and Monika Kwiatkowska.
Mateusz Tymura serves as the theatre’s artistic director and principal stage director. The company has presented its productions at nearly 30 national and European festivals. Lacking a permanent venue of its own, Latarnia Theatre frequently seeks out, explores, and adapts specific urban spaces for its artistic projects (an old wooden house for “Merlin Mongoł,” a futuristic saucer-shaped building for “Solaris,” a gateway in an old courtyard for “Bruno Sznajder,” a former industrial hall for “The Rulers,” and an old bus station for “Maidan Diaries…” ).
Since 2015, Latarnia Theatre has operated as the Latarnia Theatre Foundation, initiating and co-creating numerous socio-cultural projects and initiatives.
Details
When: June 27, 2026, 20:49 (the performance begins at sunset)
Where: Giedroyć Square (Dominikański Square)
For: Children and adults
Admission free
The event is a part of the Federacja RE:UNION project (Europejska Stolica Kultury Lublin 2029), which implements activities aimed at encouraging local communities to actively co-create and participate in cultural life and volunteering.