The MAKRUM factory in Bydgoszcz, where crushing and grinding machines have been produced for over a century, abandoned its traditional function for one evening and turned into a cultural centre. As part of the TehoFest Festival – the TeH2O Water, Industry and Craft Route Festival, the MAKRUM factory hosted a performance by the Biuro Podróży Theatre in Poznań. The subject of the performance entitled “The bad city” referred to the events of the beginning of the 20th century in Łódź.
The industrial space of the MAKRUM factory perfectly matched the multitude of artistic means used in the performance. Interesting projections accompanying the expressive acting, live music, as well as the play of lights and props – this was not lacking on our unique stage. The performance was inspired by the Łódź events and strikes of 1905, when factory workers protesting massively against poverty took to the streets. Biuro Podróży is one of the most famous Polish independent theatres. Existing for over 14 years, the stage presented its performances in nearly 50 countries of the world, on six continents.
The event enjoyed great interest of the Bydgoszcz citizens and gathered an impressive audience, which was delighted by the unusual surroundings of the show. After the performance there was an open debate led by the team of the “Essentially Discussion” Club on the subject: “Should the theatre rebel? – Polish theatre vs. the socio-political situation in Poland”. The events were organized by the Municipal Cultural Centre in Bydgoszcz,
– I remember how we organized a trip to Makrum as part of the action “Industrial history of Bydgoszcz” conducted by the MCC and “Wyborcza”. The factory manufactures machines and constructions for global brands. We were amazed by the enormity of everything that was in the halls. The largest crane is capable of lifting 75 tonnes. Makrum is famous for its crushing and milling machines. Reliable, gigantic mills, thanks to lead balls, smash whole copper ores. This Bydgoszcz factory was the world’s first subcontractor of Rolls-Royce outside its home country, and today it produces elements for the Eiffel Tower – the choice of the MAKRUM factory as the background for this extraordinary cultural event was justified by Piotr Drozdowski, TehoFest’s coordinator.
