It’s time for the final weekend of the jubilee 35th edition of Malta Festival. Emotions? Running high. The programme? Denser than ever! The resonant “The Monster’s Voice”, the dramatic story of Wiera Gran, grand dance farewells, and… “A Song for the Four Corners of the World” – the largest musical event marking the end of Poland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union. This Friday is more than just the start of the weekend – it’s a day of powerful artistic experiences and a shared celebration of Europe. Join Us!

Thursday at Malta was unforgettable. We’ll long remember the performance of “The Tempest” by Teatr Biuro Podróży — held during an actual storm. But the harsh weather didn’t scare anyone off! Equally captivating was Michał Nogaś’s conversation with author Eliza Clark, who spoke at length about the popularity and ethical complexity of the true crime genre. Let’s relive it all again!

What’s the plan for Friday? At 9:00 a.m., it’s the last chance to take part in “Ballet Mornings” at the Ballet School on Gołębia Street. Professor Beata Macioszczyk will introduce participants to the world of classical dance. Have you been saying, “maybe tomorrow”? Well — tomorrow is here, and there’s no more time to delay!

At 10:00 a.m., in Hall 2 at the Poznań International Fairgrounds, a special performance will take place as part of the “HISTORY Channel HERSTORY” project. Artist Martyna Ścibior will invite all interested women to participate using their own nail polish to paint on aluminum sheets. The resulting image may be abstract, but it will also be a collective record of the participants’ shared experience.

From 1:00 p.m. at the Festival Club on Plac Wolności, it’s the second-to-last session of the “Create, Renew, SCREEN PRINT!” workshop — and another chance to leave Malta with a personalized keepsake on your own textile items.

At 5:00 p.m. on Plac Wolności, don’t miss the final performance of “HIT OUT” — a dance-performance in which Parini Secondo turn jump ropes into percussion instruments, using rhythm and movement as a form of self-expression.

At the same time — 5:00 p.m. at the Polski Theatre — the first of two performances of Damian Josef Neć’s play “Wiera Gran.” A story of one of the greatest pre-war stars of the stage, her journey of identity, and the haunting trauma that stayed with her long after World War II. The second performance starts at 7:30 p.m.

Also at 5:00 p.m., at Aula Artis, is the premiere of the opera “The Monster’s Voice.” This monumental and moving composition is inspired by Agnieszka Holland’s film “Europa Europa.” The work is created by a remarkable trio: Aleksander Nowak, Robert Bolesto, and Agnieszka Smoczyńska. It’s an opera that explores identity, memory, trauma — and crosses genre boundaries.

At 5:30 p.m., the Festival Club will host a workshop titled “Boundaries and Assertiveness: How to Say NO Without Feeling Guilty.” It will be led by psychologist and psychotherapist Natasza Chmielowska-Mazurek. This is a perfect opportunity to confront the challenges of saying “no” and to learn that setting boundaries is completely natural.

At exactly 8:00 p.m. on Mark’s Square at the Poznań International Fairgrounds, a special accompanying event of the Malta Festival will take place: “A Song for the Four Corners of the World, the Final Concert of Poland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union”. The stage will host performances by Julia Pietrucha, Justyna Steczkowska, Krystyna Prońko, Maria Peszek, Natalia Przybysz, Mela Koteluk, Natalia Kukulska, Anna Maria Jopek, Kamil Bednarek, Janusz Radek, and Katarzyna Groniec. The evening will be hosted by Gabi Drzewiecka and Robert Stockinger.

At 8:00 p.m. at the Polish Dance Theatre — “Stories” by Katarzyna Niżnik and Ewelina Cieśla. The first of two Malta performances of this dance show, which walks the line between reality and imagination, childhood play and digital loneliness. A narrative about identity, different kinds of homes, and our inner worlds.

Also at 8:00 p.m., it’s the last Malta dance party with DJs at the Local Girls Stage. Let’s make these final dances unforgettable!

At 9:00 p.m. in Pasaż Quadro, it’s the second-to-last night of the “Women’s Cinema” series. On screen: „Europa Europa” by Agnieszka Holland — the story of Salomon Perel, who had to hide his identity and live among his persecutors to survive. A harrowing tale of survival, identity, and ideology. The screening will be introduced by the director herself — three-time Oscar nominee Agnieszka Holland!

At 9:30 p.m. on Plac Wolności, we’ll say goodbye to “SPEEED” — the final performance of Parini Secondo’s show with music by Bienoise, inspired by Japanese club culture, anime, and eurobeat.

Throughout the day, Bandakadabra will be roaming the streets of Poznań — the energetic Italian brass band ready to charm you with their spontaneity and spirit!

See you on Friday at Malta! To love!