Led by
Actors of Teatr ZAR
13 days intensive work for theater professionals
16th – 28th July 2026
Wrocław, Poland
Location: Brzezinka, forest base of the Grotowski Institute
(Group transportation from Wrocław is provided)
Working language: English
A unique opportunity to delve into the creative practices of Teatr ZAR’s theatrical work.
ZAR INTENSE'26
ZAR Intense is an initiative born from the desire to transmit our unique artistic language, values, and the essential questions that accompany our creative work. Rooted in a profoundly human and poetic approach, the workshop invites actors and performers to create in an interdisciplinary way, weaving together physical and vocal practices, solo and polyphonic singing, and physical improvisation, while cultivating deep listening and presence.
This work demands strong physical and vocal concentration, as well as the courage to stand alone and together — to give voice and body to messages that are urgent and need to be heard in the world around us.
We are delighted to offer an enriched ZAR Intense 2026 program, marking the fifth anniversary of ZAR Intense and featuring special activities designed to make this year’s experience even more profound for participants.
Workshop location & living together
In 2026, ZAR Intense will take place in Brzezinka, the forest base of the Grotowski Institute. Immersed in nature and far from everyday distractions, the workshop will unfold in a highly focused and immersive environment, allowing participants to enter a deeper state of attention, awareness, and commitment to the work.
All participants will be hosted directly at the workshop site, with accommodation, three meals a day, and snacks provided. Living and working together in the forest supports a strong sense of community, continuity of practice, and shared presence. Through this collective way of inhabiting the space — working, eating, resting, and spending time together — participants will experience a deeper connection with each other and the work.
The daily rhythm will also include forest walks or runs and gatherings around the fire, creating moments of reflection, integration, and informal exchange within the natural surroundings.
To support this shared living and working environment, all participants will also be provided with basic insurance coverage for the duration of the workshop, ensuring essential protection throughout the stay and during all workshop-related activities.
Highlight of this year:
This year, ZAR Intense is honored to welcome two master artists, each carrying a powerful and distinct vocal tradition rooted in their cultural and artistic lineages.
Both masters have been in long-term collaboration with ZAR and have been our teachers along the way, accompanying the ensemble’s sustained source-based research and the ongoing development of a new theatrical language grounded in diverse musical traditions.
Jean-Charles Adami (Corsica) will share his deep knowledge of Corsican polyphonic singing. His work is grounded in oral transmission, collective listening, and the raw presence of the voice as a living, communal act. Through his guidance, participants will encounter polyphony as a space of encounter, resonance, and shared breath.
Murat Içlinalça (Turkey) has been one of the main singers and researchers of the Armenian traditional and sacred music in Istanbul and a long-time collaborator within Teatr ZAR, notably for the performance Armine, Sister. He was born in Istanbul. From the age of eight, he studied under Başmuganni Nışan Çalgıcıyan, who is regarded as the foremost authority in modal Armenian Church music, and learned the Hampartsum Notation, a system based on Armenian letters. Using this notation, he studied (meşk) the Şaragan, the most distinctive repertoire of the Armenian Church.
Participation fee 1150 €
Early birds (till the end of May) 950 €
The fee includes:
- Participation in all lines of practice for the full duration of ZAR Intense
- Participation in lectures, discussions and presentations
- Accommodation for the duration of the workshop
- Three meals per day, plus snacks, throughout the workshop
- Transportation from Wrocław to Brzezinka and from Brzezinka back to Wrocław
- Basic insurance coverage
Advance Payment:
All accepted participants will be asked for the advance payment of 300€ within 10 days of receiving confirmation of their acceptance to the workshop. This advance payment is required to secure your spot in the program
Please note that the advance payment is non-refundable.
Contact us by email at: zarworkshops@gmail.com
WHAT WE SHARE?
Training and development
The work will be focused on introducing and exploring various lines of practice proposed and developed by actors of Teatr ZAR. Our work focuses on a variety of practices that intertwine vocal, physical, and textual work, emphasizing discipline, collaboration, and creative freedom.
Who is it for?
ZAR Intense is designed for actors, dancers, musicians, performers, theater instructors and practitioners seeking artistic and personal growth.
Such sessions will include
- Polyphonic singing that encourages collaboration and team-work in listening, supporting and taking the reins
- Working with sound carrying an image and adapting it to stage language
- Daily practise of healthy vocal and breathing techniques
- Performer physical training – building stamina and understanding one’s own strengths in order to use them in building a heightened physical stage presence
- Body awareness – developing physical and mental focus
- Widening our primal inborn sense of perception into one that can be receptive to subtleties in our daily lives
- Improvisation within tight and precise technical frameworks
- Partner training including simple acrobatic elements to develop coordination, trust and collaboration
- Devising stage material
Lectures, discussions and presentations
- Meeting with the sources (meeting dedicated to expeditions and reconnaissance made by Teatr ZAR while gathering music material)
- Process of creation – a space to discuss the process of creation accompanying performances of Teatr ZAR (meeting with whole company)
Each day will consist of several lines of practice represented by active members of Teatr ZAR.
Workshop leaders:
Jean-Charles Adami
Murat Içlinalça
Davit Baroyan
Alessandro Curti
Aleksandra Kugacz-Semerci
Mertcan Semerci
Orest Sharak
Jaroslaw Fret
Producers:
Katya Egorova, Davit Baroyan, Aleksandra Kugacz-Semerci, Mertcan Semerci
Chef:
Aleksandra Adamska
Contact us by email at: zarworkshops@gmail.com
Still have some questions?
The participation fee for ZAR Intense 2026 is 1150 €, with an early bird discount available (950 €) for applications submitted before the 15th of May.
The fee includes:
- Participation in all workshop sessions and lines of practice
- Access to lectures, discussions, and presentations
- Accommodation in Brzezinka throughout the period of the workshop
- Meals and snacks included
- Round-trip travel between Wrocław and Brzezinka
- Basic insurance
Our program is designed for professionals and experienced practitioners in the performing arts, such as actors, dancers, musicians, and theatre instructors. However, if you have prior experience and are actively engaged in performance-related activities, we encourage you to apply. Each application is reviewed individually, so feel free to share your background and motivation with us through the application form.
Absolutely! ZAR Intense is an opportunity for participants to explore the unique artistic language and practices of Teatr ZAR. Whether you are new to our work or already familiar with it, the program is designed to provide a comprehensive and engaging experience.
The entire ZAR Intense program will be conducted in English. A good understanding of English is necessary to fully engage with the sessions, lectures, and discussions.
To apply for ZAR Intense 2025, please fill out our application form.
Once we receive your application, our team will review it, and we will notify you within 10 working days whether you have been accepted. If your application is successful, we will request a non-refundable advance payment of 300€ to secure your spot.
If you have any issues with the application process or further questions, feel free to contact us.
Due to the program’s intensive and interconnected nature, we strongly encourage participants to attend the entire workshop. Each session builds upon the previous ones, creating a holistic experience that is essential to the development and creative process we offer.
If attending the full program isn’t possible for you, feel free to let us know, and we can discuss your situation further to see if any special arrangements can be made. The participation fee is a fixed amount and will remain the same, even if you are unable to attend all sessions or complete the entire workshop.
Closer to the program dates, we will send you an email with all the necessary details regarding what to bring and how to prepare.
Participants may be asked to bring a short text, song, or other inspirational material that is meaningful to them and related to their artistic practice. These materials may serve as a starting point for individual and group work during the workshop.
Rest assured, we’ll provide you with all the information you need in advance so you can prepare properly and fully immerse yourself in this unique experience.
While we do not directly assist with securing grants or funding, we are happy to provide an official invitation or proof of acceptance to the workshop if it helps you in applying for external grants or sponsorships. Please let us know if you require such documents, and we will gladly prepare them for you.
All other arrangements, including funding and travel logistics, are the responsibility of the participant.
We are committed to making ZAR Intense accessible to as many people as possible. If you face economic challenges, please let us know, and we will do our best to explore alternative solutions, such as flexible payment plans.
Additionally, we encourage early applications to take advantage of the early bird discount.
The detailed schedule for ZAR Intense 2026 will be shared with all participants closer to the program dates. Typically, each day includes multiple lines of practice, such as polyphonic singing, physical training, and improvisation, as well as lectures and discussions led by members of Teatr ZAR.
Each day is packed with workshops, training sessions, and presentations, requiring focus and dedication. On average, the program involves 8-9 hours of work per day, with a lunch break included. While there may be short breaks during the day, some free time in the evenings, and one day off, we encourage participants to prioritize rest and self-care.
Yes. Transportation to Brzezinka, where ZAR Intense takes place, will be provided for participants traveling from Wrocław, including return transport back to Wrocław.
Accommodation will be provided throughout the workshop in the historical forest base of the Grotowski Institute in Brzezinka. Participants will stay in shared rooms with up to five people per room. A washing machine will be available for participants to use during their stay.
Participants will be asked to help maintain working and living spaces, as it is part of the ethics of our work to take care of our working environment.
The workshop will take place in the middle of a forest, offering a peaceful and immersive natural setting. To stay comfortable, we recommend bringing long sleeves, socks, and running shoes, as well as mosquito repellent. Please also pack clothing suitable for rainy weather and for potentially cooler nights, so you can fully enjoy the experience in nature.
The advance payment of 300 € is non-refundable, as it secures your spot in the program. If you’ve already made additional payments, refunds beyond the advance payment may be possible depending on the timing of your cancellation. Please contact us as soon as possible if you need to cancel, and we’ll do our best to assist you.
We understand that unforeseen circumstances may arise, and we’re here to discuss your situation if needed.
Yes. Three meals per day, as well as snacks, are included during the workshop. After completing the application process, our team will contact you regarding any dietary restrictions.
