Stolec / Neighbourhood / Social Community Art

Project Meeting: Auto-biography. 45 Years of Kana

Join us for a fascinating event exploring Auto-biography. 45 Years of Kana, a project delving into the rich and complex history of Stolec—a border village formerly known as Stolzenburg, once home to the prominent von Ramin family in Pomerania. After World War II, Stolec became a closed "zona," serving as the westernmost outpost of the Polish Border Guard (WOP). For over a decade, this unique location and its historical and contemporary borderland context have inspired our work.

Through collaborations with Polish and German residents, we have explored the rhythms, sounds, and stories of the area. These long-term interactions and sustained relationships have allowed us to shift from creating projects for the community to working with them.

This process has reached a new milestone thanks to the Zaytun Ensemble, an international collective of young artists led by theatre-maker and former Kana intern, Malik Meyer. In the summer of 2024, the Zaytun Ensemble, together with Stolec residents, launched an exciting initiative in a repurposed, abandoned shop: Market.Groseria. This informal, cross-border hub fosters the exchange of ideas, thoughts, and artistic practices in the spirit of the slow movement.

Monday’s meeting will offer an in-depth look at this evolving process—a story of connection, mutual learning, and intergenerational dialogue, rooted in the unique dynamics of borderland life. Guests include representatives from the Kana Theatre, the Zaytun Ensemble, the Academy of Arts, and the residents of Stolec who have been integral to these projects.

For more information, visit kana.art. Admission is free.