Expedition of Art and Research

A form of basic artistic and research practice. Sequences of scenario-based activities: traveling, meeting people, training, rehearsals, presentation of actors' work, performances
and Gatherings.
Expedition is also a way of collecting material
for performances and a verification of their first drafts (performance naturalization).
Expedition is the most comprehensive theatrical practice, including Gatherings and performances. Expeditions are a search for archaic singing, gestures, rituals, stories, which then become
a theatrical material.
"For us Expedition is a form of art practice, spread in time measured by nights and days, and space measured by kilometers. In is to be a continuous process in time and space conceived of in this way. Hence it has to follow earlier assumed foundations, preparations, decisions,
and dramaturgy. A scenario has to be set
in advance. Its elements may include all kinds
of activities involved in everyday work, the ones open to public and the ones which constitute
our working process, skills and rehearsals."
The Expedition's scenario has to result from
the most carefully carried reconnaissance. Realizing the scenario one has to be open
and ready to an immediate response to any arising circumstances and events.
In principle they create its true dramaturgy.
Thus paradoxically the Expedition is a creative improvisation. I dare say that the Expedition
can be a work of art." (W.Staniewski)

A character of the expeditions has been changing in the course of time. Originally they were walking trips to the villages in eastern Poland
(in the districts of Lublin, Zamość and Białystok), later they took a form of weeks' long expeditions outside Poland (1982, 1985 - Lapland,
1991 - Gotland, 1991, 1993 - Ukraine).
Each expedition has to have its constellation,
a group of reliable people who can realize their tasks. Forming constellations is one of the Expedition's aims. Apart from Gardzienice's 'artists', invited guests and students,
other participants of these artistic and research projects are academics.

"The Gardzienice Book", edited and compiled
by Judie Christie, Richard Gough.
Published by The Centre for Performance Research, April 1989
"Konteksty", 1-4, 2001, "Mały słownik terminów Ośrodka Praktyk Teatralnych Gardzienice",
ed.by Piotr Machul