Ludomir Franczak: Lovci lebek
The performance-installation-lecture is a continuation of the Gutta project, which from 2021 onwards explores Central Europe’s participation in the global colonial system. Poznań, one of Poland’s main cities, becomes the starting point for this study, uncovering hidden chapters of a colonial past that is present but forgotten. Like the story of the skulls stored in the Berlin Museum with the signature of Jan Czekanowski, the post-war director of the Department of Anthropology at the University of Poznań, or the trophies from Arkady Fiedler’s expeditions in the museum in Puszczykowo, traces of dreams of colonial power appear in Poznań, which are reflected in the history of the Maritime and Colonial League, the zoos with their ‘ethnographic exhibitions’, and the bourgeoisie itself.
The performance explores how these histories survive in narratives and in dusty corners of urban institutions and private homes. It raises questions about whether it is time to sweep these shadows into the light and take a closer look, as the dream of colonial power has not entirely faded and its traces are still evident.
Concept, image, script and live performance by Ludomir Franczak Music by Robert Piotrowicz Excerpts of texts by Joseph Conrad, Jan Czekanowski, Nnamdi Azikiwe, Iryumugabe Robert, W.G. Sebald, Ludomir Franczak, “Morze” magazine (1934), Arkady Fiedler, Grzegorz Łysa Production by Scena Robocza / Poznan