On 11 July 2025, at the Town Hall Square in Jelenia Góra, the 42nd edition of the International Street Theatre Festival began — the oldest festival of its kind in Poland, recognized both nationally and abroad.

The ceremonial opening of the festival took place at 8:50 p.m. The ceremony was led by the Mayor of Jelenia Góra, Mr. Jerzy Łużniak, together with the Director of the Cyprian Kamil Norwid Theatre, Mr. Tadeusz Wnuk.

After the official opening, our Theatre performed on stage, launching this year’s edition with a special presentation of “Circus Colors.” This event inaugurated three more days filled with artistic experiences, extraordinary spectacles, and encounters with theatre in the urban space — in the spirit of the idea initiated by Alina Obidniak, the patron and founder of the festival 42 years ago.

The Jelenia Góra International Street Theatre Festival holds a well-established place on Poland’s cultural map. It is the country’s oldest street theatre festival, making it exceptional not only because of its history but also its prestige in the artistic community. Each year it attracts renowned theatre companies from Poland and abroad, who perform for large audiences composed of both local residents and visiting tourists.

The festival bears the name of Alina Obidniak — a charismatic director and former head of the Cyprian Kamil Norwid Theatre. It was thanks to her initiative that, 42 years ago, the International Street Theatre Festival was created, continuing to this day the idea of opening theatre to urban space and fostering direct contact with audiences. Thanks to her vision and dedication, the festival has become a lasting cultural tradition.