Based on a True Story
This international art project brings together three cultural organizations from Central Europe—ARCHA+ (Czech Republic), Komuna Warszawa (Poland), and Projekt Batyskaf (Slovakia). Its goal is to support and implement the curatorial concept “Based on a True Story” by young theater artists Adam Dragun (SK/CZ) and Olga Ciężkowska (PL), which focuses on contemporary theater and performance practices utilizing documentary approaches and research methods.
The project responds to the transformation of socio-political discourse, the growing influence of propaganda, algorithms, and social media, as well as the erosion of trust in the public sphere. It explores how truth is constructed, disseminated, and instrumentalized, and whether the motto “based on a true story” can become an active, critical artistic practice. At the same time, it creates a space for the development of contemporary documentary and post-documentary theater in Central Europe and for the sharing of experiences among artists, students, professionals, and the public.
The project is carried out in two phases. The first phase consists of a research and creative process, the result of which will be a new performative work created with the support of ARCHA+ and through an OPEN CALL. The second phase is the BASED ON A TRUE STORY festival at ARCHA+ in Prague (September 29–October 2, 2026), which will connect the newly created work with productions by the Polish and Slovak partners. The program will be complemented by discussions, after-talks, workshops, and educational activities. Subsequently, all three works will also be presented in Bratislava and Warsaw.
Funded by the European Union. The views and opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the European Union or the Center for International Cooperation. Neither the European Union nor the grant provider is responsible for them.
