Lublin is setting out on an extraordinary journey. This July, “The Magician’s Journey: Prologue” will take to the streets of Polish cities – the first instalment of a multi-year project delivered by the Sztukmistrze Foundation in cooperation with the Centre for Culture in Lublin and European Capital of Culture Lublin 2029. It is not only a contemporary circus performance, but also the symbolic beginning of a journey that will take Lublin artists across Poland and Europe in the coming years and, ultimately, back to Lublin in 2029.
The project draws on the principles of the RE:UNION programme. It references the Magician of Lublin, the protagonist of Nobel laureate Isaac Bashevis Singer’s novel, reinterpreting the figure in a contemporary context. The travelling Magicians Troupe becomes an ambassador for the city and the RE:UNION idea, telling the story of Lublin through the language of art. In the years to come, the project will continue to develop, gradually expanding to include more cities across Poland and Europe.
A performance that invites participation
“The Magician’s Journey: Prologue” tells the story of five travellers who meet passers-by and… invite them for coffee. Before anyone can sit down around a shared table, however, the artists have to work together to build an eight-metre structure, prepare the space, warm up and start the coffee machine. Only then does the high-energy performance begin, combining acrobatics, juggling, balancing acts and physical theatre. After the show, audiences will be invited to continue the conversation over coffee.
First stops
In July, “The Magician’s Journey: Prologue” will visit three exceptional events:
5 July – Festiwal Kuglarzy, Wodzisław Śląski
13 July – Festiwal Góry Literatury, various locations across Lower Silesia
17 July – SĄSIEDZI – Teatralnie. Cyrkowo. Po sąsiedzku, Bielsko-Biała (as part of the Bielsko-Biała 2026 Polish Capital of Culture programme)
21 August 2026 – Potocki Palace Courtyard, Radzyń Podlaski
4 September 2026 – Centre for Culture and Promotion, Piotrowice
5 September 2026 – Szerokie, Lublin – Święto Dzielnicy Szerokie
The Szerokie district celebration is an opportunity to spend time together.
“Prologue” marks the beginning of a larger story. In the years to come, the Magicians Troupe will expand its route, visiting more cities and festivals as part of the promotion of the European Capital of Culture Lublin 2029 programme.
Creative team:
Performers: Alisa Cheburkova, Daniel Chlibiuk, Artur Perskawiec, Marcin Borkowski, Krzysztof Pacholik
Dramaturgical and directing consultation: Jakub Szwed
Duration: approx. 50 minutes
Recommended age of recipients: from 5 months to 121 years old
Production: Sztukmistrze Foundation, Centre for Culture in Lublin, European Capital of Culture Lublin 2029
Translated by: Aleksandra Górecka
Proofread by: Gabriela Niewadzi
