Based on a True Story
This international art project connects three cultural organizations from Central Europe – ARCHA+ (Czechia), Komuna Warszawa (Poland), and Projekt Batyskaf (Slovakia). Its aim is to support and implement the curatorial concept of young theater artists Adam Dragun (SK/CZ) and Olga Ciężkowska (PL) entitled Based on True Story. The project focuses on contemporary theater and performance practices working with documentary approaches and research-based artistic processes.
The ambition of the project is to create an international platform for the formulation and practical application of an artistic discourse grounded in a documentary approach, shaped by the situated social and political conditions of Central and Eastern Europe. It opens a question whether neighboring countries can share a critical discourse that would strengthen social awareness and public debate.
The project reflects on the problem of radicalization and instability in contemporary socio-political discourse, which is full of narratives that undermine public trust. What does the slogan BASED ON TRUE STORY mean in the post-factual era, with its growing authoritarianism, propaganda, and the influence of algorithms and social networks? Rather than reproducing dominant narratives, the project seeks to foreground artistic practices that question how truth is constructed, circulated, and instrumentalized within current public space. Can “based on a true story” be more than a simple statement - can it become an active critical practice?
From an artistic and educational perspective, the project responds to the underdeveloped discourse surrounding the contemporary forms of documentary and post-documentary theatre in Central Europe compared to the Western scene. The project will provide space for research and creation, experts, as well as discussion and educational activities.
The project will take place in two phases: first, a research and creative process supported by curatorial consultations and the creation of a performative work. ARCHA+ invited artists and students to participate in this process through an OPEN CALL.
The work will then be presented at the Based on True Story Festival at ARCHA+ in Prague (September 29 - October 2), alongside performances by Slovak and Polish partners, where these projects will be heard in a shared context. The performances will serve as case studies and a source for further discussion formats. The festival will also include an educational and professional program for students, professionals, and the public - after talks, thematic debates, and workshops. An international group of students from all three partner countries will also participate in this part.
This will be followed by joint presentations of all three performances in Bratislava and Warsaw, complemented by workshops with artists for local students and artists.
The project is supported by the European Union under the Erasmus+ programme.
