Books of Jacob / Part II
Krzysztof Garbaczewski - director, script, set design, VR design
In partnership with Polish Cultural Institute NYC and CultureHub
In this innovative, quantum and cabalistic theatrical production, the story of Jacob Frank comes to life simultaneously in six locations around the world in a simulcast performance happening in NewYork, Colombia, Poland, Ukraine, Georgia, and Greece. This mid-18th century figure, a young Jew of mysterious origins, arrives in a Polish village in the midst of growing unrest in Europe. Experiencing ecstatic visions, Frank captivates with his charisma. Over the course of a decade, he and his zealous followers travel through the Habsburg and Ottoman empires, converting to Islam and then to Catholicism, meeting with heretical condemnation one moment and messianic recognition the next. The actors perform both on physical stages in these countries and on a digital stage in virtual reality, capturing a world on the brink of change. This performance highlights Frank's enigmatic legacy, perfect for Olga Tokarczuk's profound narrative.
NYC TEAM
Krzysztof Garbaczewski - Director, script, set design, VR design
Rebecca Pierrot - Dramaturgy
Jakub Janicki - Music
Radomir Majewski - VR design
DeAndra Anthony – Technical Director
Mattie Barber-Bockelman – Producing Director
Sangmin Chae – Creative Technologist
Billy Clark – Artistic Director
Krzysztof Garbaczewski is a renowned theater director and the founder of Dream Adoption Society. He graduated from the Ludwik Solski State Drama School in Krakow with a degree in Theater Directing and Dramaturgy. Garbaczewski uses the medium of theater to explore existential questions and push the boundaries of human experience. Since 2017, he has been developing a new theatrical language that incorporates virtual 3D environments, avatars, virtual scenography, and live actors. His innovative approach creates meticulously crafted mixed reality experiences for both online platforms and live audiences. By blending traditional and digital elements, Garbaczewski offers unique, immersive experiences that challenge conventional theater norms and invite audiences to engage with cutting-edge, interactive storytelling.
CultureHub
CultureHub pushes the boundaries of artistic collaboration and experimentation as an incubator for creativity focused on the intersection of art and technology. We serve local and global communities by providing an open space for creative research, artistic exchange and learning.