polish cultural week

april
2025
mon
14
 Monday Time: 18:30 - 20:30
Traditional Polish Dances show by The Song and Dance Ensemble SILESIANIE
Reja - Tirane
The group “Silesianie,” which has performed in around 800 concerts worldwide and participated in more than 80 international folklore festivals, will present a rich performance of traditional Polish dances, showcasing a variety of characteristic dances, including the “Polonaise,” which is inscribed on the UNESCO list as part of the cultural heritage of humanity. This young group will collaborate closely with the Albanian National Ensemble to learn and perform together the Polish dance “Trojak,” an experience that will serve as a unique opportunity to strengthen cultural ties between the two countries. As part of this cultural exchange, the group will also learn and perform traditional Albanian dances, allowing members to experience and dance to the rhythms of Albanian culture.
tue
15
 Tuesday Time: 11:00 - 13:00
Masterclass of Polish Traditional Dances for students
 University of Arts – Rehearsal Hall
The traditional Polish dance group “Silesianie” will present a selection of traditional Polish dances in Tirana. In collaboration with the National Ensemble of Songs and Dances, they will hold a masterclass with dance students from the University of Arts, sharing the key elements of Polish dance and their artistic experience. This meeting will serve as a space for collaboration, cultural exchange, and inspiration for young people studying the art of dance in Albania.
tue
15
 Tuesday Time: 16:00 - 18:00
Children’s Art Workshop with Book Illustrator Monika Filipina
 Puppet Theater – Tirana
Monika Filipina, an internationally awarded author and illustrator of children’s books with over 50 published books (11 of which have been translated into over 20 languages), is coming to Tirana to lead a creative workshop for children aged 6–8. In this special workshop, children will learn how a book illustration comes to life, experiment with painting and collage, and create their own unique artistic works — all under the guidance of a professional from the world of children’s literature. This is a wonderful opportunity to inspire imagination, creativity, and a love for visual art. The workshop will be conducted in English, limited to a maximum of 20 children, and prior registration is required.
Tue
15
 Tuesday Time: 20:00 - 22:00
Film Screening: Papusza, followed by a Q&A session with director Joanna Kos-Krauze
 University of Arts – Black Box Hall
"Papusza," directed by Joanna Kos-Krauze and Krzysztof Krauze, two of the main figures in Polish cinema, is a film that tells the true story of the first Romani woman to write and publish her poetry, thus challenging the traditional image of women in the Romani community. The film follows her life from birth to old age: forced marriage at a young age, life in the Romani camp before, during, and after World War II, forced relocation to Communist Poland, and later urban life in poverty. Her meeting with the Polish poet Jerzy Ficowski, who discovered her extraordinary talent and published her poetry, placed Papusza in a tragic situation: although she became a recognized poet, she was exiled from the Romani community, which accused her of revealing their secrets. The film received several awards at national and international festivals in 2013.
wed
16
Wednesday Time: 17:00 - 18:30
 Literary Meeting with Children's Book Author Monika Filipina
 Europe House – Tirana
Monika Filipina, a well-known children’s book author who collaborates with publishing houses in Poland and abroad, will hold a meeting with children and parents. Her books have been published in Poland, the United Kingdom, Italy, and Spain, and will be presented in Albania for the first time. The event will include a book presentation and reading sessions, where children and parents will have the chance to enjoy the magical world of children’s literature and learn about the techniques that bring stories to life through vivid and emotional illustrations.
wed
16
 Wednesday Time: 20:00 - 22:00
 Film Screening: Birds Are Singing in Kigali followed by a Q&A session with the director
 University of Arts – Çesk Zadeja Hall
The film offers a powerful reflection on the long-term effects of the 1994 Rwandan genocide, exploring its impact not only on Tutsi victims but also on foreigners who witnessed and observed the tragedy. The story reveals how pain, memories, and the wounds of the past continue to linger, affecting the lives of those who experienced it firsthand and those who stood by as witnesses. Directed by the renowned duo Joanna Kos-Krauze and Krzysztof Krauze—who, over more than 20 years of collaboration, have created some of the most acclaimed works in international cinema—the film combines a distinctive style with deep artistic sensitivity. It delivers a moving and thought-provoking story about the lasting consequences of the past and the possibility of hope for the future.
thu
17
 Thursday Time: 10:00 - 12:00
 Film Masterclass for Students with Polish Director Joanna Kos-Krauze
 University of Arts – Small Black Box Hall
Students of the Faculty of Theatre and Film at the University of Arts will have the opportunity to take part in a unique masterclass led by renowned director Joanna Kos-Krauze, who will share her experience through the film Birds Are Singing in Kigali. This masterclass will offer young creatives an in-depth look into the artistic process, exploring the film’s themes, directorial style, and the creative challenges that have made it an internationally acclaimed work. An inspiring encounter with cinema.
thu-fri
17-18
 April 17, 16:00–18:00 and April 18, 14:00–16:00
Volleyball Training Sessions with Coaches from the Polish Volleyball   Association
 Ismail Qemali High School – Tirana
A series of volleyball training sessions for school students in Albania will be conducted by renowned coaches from the Polish Volleyball Federation. The trainers include Mr. Szymon Szlendak (manager of the Polish Women’s National Team and coordinator of the senior national teams) and Mr. Dawid Krupa (National Coach, head coach of the ZAKSA Strzelce Opolskie club – Men’s Second League). This activity will provide young players with the opportunity to develop their skills and help promote volleyball as a sport in Albania, incorporating international volleyball techniques and strategies.
fri
18
Friday  Time: 18:00 – 20:00
 Volleyball Match for teenagers
 Vasil Shanto Elementary School – Tirana
Under the professional guidance and supervision of renowned coaches from the Polish Volleyball Federation — Mr. Szymon Szlendak (Manager of the Polish Women’s National Team and Coordinator of the Senior National Teams) and Mr. Dawid Krupa (National Coach, Head Coach of ZAKSA Strzelce Opolskie) — a volleyball match will be held with the participation of Albanian teams. This sporting event aims to strengthen cooperation between the two countries in the field of sports, promote professional exchange, and provide support for the further development of volleyball in Albania.
fri
18
April 18 Time: 20:00 – 22:00
Concert by the Polish jazz group JAH Trio.
University of Arts, Black Box Hall – Tirana
As part of the International Jazz Festival, the stage in Tirana welcomes TAH Trio, one of the most intriguing contemporary jazz groups from Poland. The concert is held as part of the international project JAZZ PO POLSKU – “Around the World”, which aims to promote Polish jazz beyond borders, in collaboration with the Albanian Jazz Society. Founded in 2014, TAH Trio is an acoustic ensemble that brings a distinctive sound, blending elements of swing, groove, and free improvisation. Their music is rich in nuance, dynamics, and emotion, creating a unique listening experience for the audience. Their repertoire includes both original compositions and fresh interpretations of classic jazz standards – always delivered in their own authentic style.
sat
19
Saturday Time: 19:00 – 21:00
Concert by the Polish jazz group JAH Trio.
Preng Jakova Music School - Shkodra
As part of the International Jazz Festival, the stage in Tirana welcomes TAH Trio, one of the most intriguing contemporary jazz groups from Poland. The concert is held as part of the international project JAZZ PO POLSKU – “Around the World”, which aims to promote Polish jazz beyond borders, in collaboration with the Albanian Jazz Society.Founded in 2014, TAH Trio is an acoustic ensemble that brings a distinctive sound, blending elements of swing, groove, and free improvisation. Their music is rich in nuance, dynamics, and emotion, creating a unique listening experience for the audience. Their repertoire includes both original compositions and fresh interpretations of classic jazz standards – always delivered in their own authentic style.

French Week