The Warsaw High School Times

TFAŻ (translated directly – Theatre Festival Amateur of Żmichowska) celebrates its 18th birthday this year, and for that reason we asked this year’s organisers a few questions. In 2024 a group of six girls is taking care of the festival, and that is what they have to say about it:

Emilia: Even though I, myself, have never wanted to get into acting, I just love the culture of theatres, its etiquette, I love learning about it. Theatre, and everything surrounding it, fascinates me and I could not be happier to create TFAŻ, which is an environment in which people can actually produce such a magical form of art. Other than that, I think its biggest asset is that it is my project, that allows me to connect with people, and also make something of a legacy for our school, write my name in the history of the festival and become, for next generations, what the past generations had become for me, a sort of a backbone, support and inspiration. I also just really like to participate in these sorts of things, and I know that I can be responsible, because, when you take away the magic, it is just a responsibility. For me TFAŻ has always been something magical, and I hope that I can make it the same for others.

Hela: For me TFAŻ is a project, thanks to which I can fulfil my organisational motives, because I love doing things with other people. And, obviously, that way I combine work with meeting many interesting people with a passion for theatre and art.

Sara: TFAŻ is a fantastic initiative that activates the youth, encourages their creativity and inspires action, creation and collaboration. The event is organised from beginning to end by students for students… and different theatre enthusiasts. Mainly, it opens the doors to the artistic world for aspiring actors. The festival’s organisation brings me a lot of joy and I believe that the hard work will be worth the positive energy that you can feel during TFAŻ each year.

Lidia: TFAŻ has become something of a child for me, not entirely, but I already feel very attached to it. I chose the Żmichowska high school, knowing about the festival, being already focused on participating. For me TFAŻ is a chance to work and learn my boundaries. I mainly take care of sponsoring, social media and PR, it’s really interesting, and I really like to do it. I’m really excited for TFAŻ and I’m delighted that I get to organise it this year because it’s something that really integrates and connects the students of our school.

We could ask Lidia and another organiser – Dominika, a few more questions.

Sam (WHST): Hi, maybe let us start by explaining to our readers what TFAŻ is?

Lidia: As the name implies, amateur theatre groups, consisting mainly of high schools’ students, enter our festival. It brings together the youth, allowing them to show their talents and abilities connected to the theatre. Our artists have the possibility of showing their plays in front of a monumental audience – last year during the three days it went up to around 1000 people.

This year we also plan to return the encounters with actors and directors, who have some experience working in theatre. This is something that TFAŻ used to do, and this year we’re planning its great return.

Sam: Why have you decided to organise TFAŻ 2024?

Dominika: I like this idea, I love theatre and the festival’s energy, so I thought it would be cool to take care of it and see how it looks from the backstage.

Lidia: I participated in the TFAŻ 2023 and I enjoyed it very much. That is when I started to consider taking on the role of the festival’s organiser. I knew that I wanted to be as close to the event as possible and I’m glad that I can organise it.

Sam: How many people, approximately, are involved in making this year’s festival?

Lidia: There’s six of us, the organisers, which is the first time in the festival’s history.

Dominika: Many people are involved, but I think it’s around 150 people. Other than us, there are our amazing section leaders and all of the people in the sections. Without them none of this would be possible.

Sam: When do you open the applications?

Dominika: Last Wednesday (7th of Feb) we announced it on our Instagram @tfaz.official. All of the information is in the link in our bio.

Lidia: And they will be open until the 15th of March

Sam: Is there anything else you’d like to add?

Lidia: Other than the theatre part, we’re also organising a drawing-painting competition. The pieces will be displayed during the festival and everyone will have the possibility of voting for their favorite work. As per usual, you can expect amazing prices.

Dominika: I would also like to personally invite everyone to our festival, this year it is taking place from 11th to 13th of April. Bring your parents, friends, siblings or significant other and come, you’ll have a great time! I hope to see you all.

Sam: Thank you very much. See you at TFAŻ!