ELEUSIS

Eleusis is a performance that, through the exemplum of the lives of Demeter and Persephone, portrays the fate of the great Magna Mater from the time before the establishment of the patriarchal pantheon of deities. Its central theme is the transformative power of love, which turns a crime into an act of compassion for humanity, as the goddess of life offers a golden ear of grain—eternal nourishment for the body—and a ritual that frees the human soul toward immortality. The performance tells the story of a mother who loses her daughter, abducted by a jealous god. Through polyphonic songs, we accompany her on her earthly journey; through movement and word, we depict the fertility goddess's encounters and tribulations. This mythical tale of how evil, through love and forgiveness, is transformed into a cathartic practice of communal mysteries in Eleusis.

Grzegorz Bral Director Theatre director, Acting Coordination Method teacher. President of Bral Foundation, co-founder and artistic director of Song of the Goat Theatre , artistic director of Brave Festival - Against Cultural Exile, Brave Kids and Brave Together; director of the project “Let’s plant a forest”; president of Bral Foundation. Since the 1990s, he has been working for the charity organization ROKPA International. In 2013, he established his own theatre school in London - Bral School of Acting. He studied literature, psychology, and theatre studies. From 1987 to 1992, he cooperated with the Centre for Theatre Practices in Gardzienice. From 2010 to 2012, he was the artistic director of the Warsaw Studio Theatre. Song of the Goat Theatre, founded in 1996, has become one of the most interesting and prominent examples of the new Polish theatrical avant-garde in recent years. Grzegorz Bral received numerous awards for his outstanding artistic activities. His awards list includes the Honorary Order of the Minister of Culture and National Heritage, SCOTSMAN FRINGE FIRST 2004 and HERALD ANGEL 2004 (for the play entitled Chronicles - a lamentation). In 2009, his theatre team was nominated for the XII European Theatre Prize in New Theatrical Realities category. During Fringe Festival 2012 in Edinburgh, the play Songs of Lear directed by Grzegorz Bral received Fringe First, the oldest and most prestigious award of the festival. The award is presented annually by The Scotsman daily paper to the most innovative projects of the festival. What is more, Songs of Lear won the HERALD ARCHANGEL award and a special award within the MUSICAL THEATRE MATTERS AWARDS during the same festival. Songs of Lear were classified in 1st place in the ranking of all theatre performances presented in Edinburgh, prepared by “The List”. The play was also nominated for the Total Theatre Award. Educational activity is another vital aspect of Grzegorz Bral’s professional activity. Together with the Song of the Goat Theatre team, he created a unique way of acting training named the Acting Coordination Method. Many artists have been inspired by this method, which he originated. His educational work and annual workshops attract actors and directors from around the world. In the UK, seven out of the fifteen existing theatre schools included the elements of this method in their curricula. Grzegorz Bral has organized numerous workshops around the world. Till 2012 he had been teaching drama techniques as a part of MA in Acting programme led by Song of the Goat Theatre in cooperation with Manchester Metropolitan University . Since 2013, educational activities have been carried out in cooperation with the Bral School of Acting in London. Dorota Ficoń Demeter, Actor A graduate of the Ludwik Solski State Higher School of Theatre in Kraków, she is a co-founder of the Witkacy Theatre and has been with it since its inception in 1985. She has created many remarkable roles—both as demonic women and sensitive intellectuals. She excels in “Witkacy-style” performances, playing, among others, Mamalia in The Pragmatists (1984) Grandma Julia in Sonata b (1989), Zabawnisia in The New Deliverance (1992), Duchess Alicia of Nevermore in The Water Hen (1999), Rosa van de Blaast in The Anonymous Work (2006), the Actress in They or Ha! Shoo® Or Don’t Tease the Cat (2014), and Lady Leokadia Clay in The Metaphysics of a Two-Headed Calf (2015). She also played Rosaura in Life Is a Dream by Pedro Calderón (1985), the Beautiful Helen and the Wife in Doctor Faustus by Christopher Marlowe (1986), Heloise in Sic et Non by Ronald Duncan (1987), Salome in Benedictus, based on Salome by Oscar Wilde (1989), Abigail in The Crucible by Arthur Miller (1995), Clawdia Chauchat in The Magic Mountain by Thomas Mann (2001), Duchess Himalaya in Operetta by Witold Gombrowicz (2017), the Mother in Slaughterhouse by Sławomir Mrożek (2019), and Madame Ranevskaya in The Cherry Orchard by Anton Chekhov (2021)—turning each role into a magnificent and unforgettable performance. She is also outstanding in plays drawing on the theatre of the absurd, such as Cabaret Voltaire (1986), Fin by Artaud (1996), CCY Witkac-Y (2009), and The Tenant by Roland Topor (2022). She co-directed the play Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (2002). She has released two albums: Popylone pienie (2010), featuring poems by S.I. Witkiewicz set to music by Włodzimierz Kiniorski, and a solo album Intymne (2015), with songs from Witkacy Theatre performances, composed by Jacek Chruściński. Her artistic repertoire also includes two recitals: Vis-à-Vis and Intymne. She received the Main Acting Award at the 32nd Opole Theatre Confrontations – Polish Classics (2007) for her role as Rosa van der Blaast in the play Good Morning, Ladies and Gentlemen – Witkacy, based on The Anonymous Work, directed by Andrzej Dziuk. In 2010, she was awarded the Bronze Medal for Merit to Culture – Glori Artis by the Minister of Culture and National Heritage. In 2015, she received the Polonia Minor Award from the Małopolska Region. In 2017, she was honored with the Golden Retro Leaf for her roles in the play Such a Little Nothing, directed by Andrzej St. Dziuk, as part of the National Festival of Retro Song. In 2025, she was awarded the Silver Medal for Merit to Culture – Gloria Artis. Andrzej Bienias Hades, Bass A graduate of the Krakow State Drama School, he has been an actor at the Witkacy Theatre in Zakopane since 1996. On that stage, he has performed in numerous productions, including Witkacy's The Madman and the Nun, Albert Camus' The Plague, Pär Lagerkvist's Barabbas, Lope de Vega's Pretendly – Really, Fyodor Dostoyevsky's Performance, Witold Gombrowicz's Operetta, and Witkacy's Wahazar. He was recognized for his roles in Barabbas and Człapówki – Zakopane by the jury of the 4th National Competition for the Theatre Staging of Old Works of European Literature in 2009. He directed the concert Liberated Dreams – or the Thing about the Non Commonwealth on the occasion of the hundredth anniversary of regaining independence, as well as the performances Hotel Utopia and STACHURA – It will be said very slowly and you just listen, in which he also performs as a musician. He composed the music for both productions. He is a co-founder of the band NOTHING TO HIDE, with which he has released two albums: Niepłytka płytka and Audio Boog. Ewa Szczypińska Persephone, Soprano She completed her first-level music school in the violin class and second-level in the vocal class in Szczecin. She is currently a second-year master's student at the Fryderyk Chopin University of Music in Warsaw, Faculty of Vocal and Acting Studies, specializing in solo singing in the class of Prof. Dr. Izabela Kłosińska. She is the first prize winner of the 2nd International Bel Canto Singing Competition in Germany. In 2023, she made her debut as the title role in The Little Mermaid musical at the Jan Kiepura Mazovian Musical Theatre in Warsaw, directed by Jan Bzdawka. From 2021 to 2022, she collaborated with Fame Music Theatre in Szczecin, where she played Dunyasha in the musical The Cherry Orchard. She also appeared in the production of Mr. Kleks’ Academy, directed by Piotr Stawski, in the role of Bożenka. She sang the soprano part in a concert version of The Phantoms by S. Moniuszko at the Philharmonic in Kaunas, and performed as Cosette in a concert version of Les Misérables at the Rampa Theatre in Warsaw. In 2023, she performed the role of the Novice in Puccini’s Suor Angelica at the Teatr Wielki – Polish National Opera in Warsaw, directed by Ewa Rucińska, and again in 2024 during the Puccini Festival at the Teatr Wielki in Łódź. Edyta Krzemień Demeter, Soprano Edyta Krzemień is a vocalist and actress known for her powerful performances in musical theatre, film dubbing, and concert halls across Europe. A graduate of The Fryderyk Chopin University of Music in Warsaw, she previously toured the world as the Lead Female Vocalist in Cirque du Soleil’s ECHO. Her acclaimed stage roles include Christine in Phantom of the Opera, Fantine in Les Misérables, and leading parts inSweeney Todd, Tarzan, Jekyll & Hyde, Matilda, Miss Saigon, Sister Act, Ghost, and more. In film dubbing, she was the full Polish voice—both speaking and singing—of Snow White in Disney’s Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, and contributed choir vocals to the Polish versions of Frozen II, Aladdin, Cinderella, Beauty and the Beast, and Mary Poppins. Edyta also regularly performs with philharmonics across Europe and collaborates with composer Zbigniew Preisner, appearing in international festivals and recording projects including Requiem for My Friend and In Search of Lost Road (platinum disc). She is currently performing in concerts throughout Europe, including Henryk Mikołaj Górecki’s Symphony No. 3 (“Symphony of Sorrowful Songs”). Agata Flondro Metanira, Alto A graduate of the Academy of Music in Gdańskand the Academy of Music in Bydgoszcz. Since 2014 associated with the Krakow Opera in Krakow. In November 2017 she became a finalist of the International Vocal Competition "Coop Music Awards" in Milan. In 2018 she made her debut in the role of the Young Girl in the opera "Manru" by I.J. Paderewski - Krakow Opera. In 2019 and 2021 she performed at the Opera Rara Festival in Krakow in the performance Casandra&Just. In 2021 she won second place in the International Vocal Competition "Bella Voce" in Busko - Zdrój. Since 2019 she has been cooperating with the Song of the Goat Theater. In 2023 she made her debut in the role of Molly in the operetta "Loteria na Mężów, czyli narzecony nr 69" by K. Szymanowski. Iwona Wall Iris, Mezzo-soprano A graduate with distinction from the I. J. Paderewski Academy of Music and the Studio of Theatrical and Acting Arts in Poznań. Her operatic roles include the title role in Carmen, Suzuki (Madama Butterfly), Maddalena (Rigoletto), Myrtale (Thaïs), Third Lady (The Magic Flute), Mercedes (Carmen), and Jadwiga in The Haunted Manor, among many others. She regularly performs on major Polish opera stages, including the Grand Theatre – National Opera in Warsaw, the Grand Theatre in Poznań, the Baltic Opera in Gdańsk, and the Grand Theatre in Łódź. Internationally, she has appeared in cities such as Chicago, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Ganzhou, Huichang, Bratislava, Berlin, Hamburg, Frankfurt, and many more. Agnieszka Michalik Rhea, Mezzo-Soprano Agnieszka Michalik is an actress, dancer, performer, and dance teacher. Since 2017, she has worked at the Witkacy Theatre in Zakopane, Poland. She is a graduate of the Faculty of Dance Theatre at the National Academy of Theatre Arts in Krakow. In the 2016/2017 academic year, she received a scholarship from the Minister of Culture and National Heritage for her artistic achievements. She is the laureate of the Andrzej Nardelli Prize for the best acting debut in 2018 for her role as DI in the play One – Two – One, based on The Graveyard of Cars by Fernando Arrabal, directed by Andrzej St. Dziuk. Alicja Bral Hecate, Mezzo-Soprano Alicja Bral is a playwright, poet, theatre scholar, Doctor of Humanities. She holds two doctoral degrees: a PhD in Theatre History (University of Gdańsk, 2010) and a PhD in Practice as Research (University of Kent, UK, 2021). Since 2016, she has been writing dramatic and poetic texts for theatres in Poland and internationally. She is a co-creator of numerous acclaimed performances at Song of the Goat Theatre (Wrocław), one of Poland’s leading international theatre companies. Her work includes Crazy God, Island, Hamlet – Commentary, Seven Gates of Thebes, Anty-gone, Ecstasy, Cassandra’s Report, Warrior, Apocrypha, Andronicus – Synecdoche, The Idiot – A Study on Love, Agon, and Eleusis. She also writes for other theatres, including Schulz’s Labyrinth and Iwona, Princess of Burgundy. In 2013, together with Grzegorz Bral, she co-founded the Bral School of Acting in London — an international acting school. Since 2015, she has been teaching courses in theatre anthropology, acting techniques, and dramatic writing. From 2008 to 2013, she collaborated with the Gdańsk Shakespeare Theatre, where she coordinated the off-stage programme. Earlier (2005–2008), she co-created the Gdańsk Contemporary Dance Stage (DanceDesk.pl) at the Baltic Sea Cultural Centre. As a cultural producer and manager, she completed postgraduate studies in project management (University of Gdańsk, 2012). She currently teaches cultural management at the University of Gdańsk, Faculty of Artistic Institution Management. She is a performer in Song of The Goat Theatre since 2019 Dariusz Dudzik Eumolpus, Tenor Actor, dancer, and educator. A graduate of the Acting Department at the Ludwik Solski Academy for the Dramatic Arts (Wrocław branch) and of the Pedagogy program at the University of Wrocław. He completed a two-year Meisner Technique course at the Meisner Laboratory, the advanced class Meisner Technique for Advanced, and the Teachers Training program at the Meisner Institute Poland. He has performed on stage in productions such as Xięgi Schulza (Polski Theatre in Wrocław), Cage of Tears (Wrocław Dance Theatre), Hamlet – A Commentary (Song of the Goat Theatre), and in numerous theatrical and dance projects combining movement, text, and rhythm. A multiple-time Polish tap dancing champion, he is the founder of the Wrocław Tap School. He collaborates with the video game industry as a motion capture actor (The Witcher, Dying Light). On screen, he has appeared in films including Ach śpij kochanie, Martin Luther: The Idea That Changed the World, as well as in television productions and series. He is passionate about travel—he crossed Mongolia on horseback and navigated Siberia’s Lena River by kayak. Dominik Kujawa Celeus, Bass-baritone Dominik began his musical education in 1993 at the Ignacy Paderewski Social Music School. He studied at the Karol Lipiński Academy of Music in Wrocław under Prof. Bogdan Makal and at the Fryderyk Chopin University of Music in Warsaw with Dr. Hab. Artur Stefanowicz. He refined his vocal skills through masterclasses with renowned teachers including Eytan Pessen, Teresa Żylis-Gara, Rudolf Piernay, and many others, regularly attending Winter Vocal Courses in Duszniki-Zdrój. A laureate of numerous vocal competitions, his accolades include 1st prize at the 12th Polish National Franciszka Platówna Vocal Competition and distinction at the 55th International Vocal Competition ‘s-Hertogenbosch in the Wagner Category. His international career spans performances at the Baltic Opera, Podlasie Opera and Philharmonic, BBC Proms, Schleswig-Holstein Musik Festival, Abu Dhabi Classics, Gstaad Menuhin Festival, and festivals in the U.S. and Europe. He has sung under conductors like Paul McCreesh, Sylvain Cambreling, and Charles Dutoit in venues such as Royal Albert Hall, Barbican Hall, Salle Pleyel, and Gewandhaus. He collaborates with ensembles including Collegium 1704, Capella Cracoviensis, and Krakow Chamber Opera, and has worked with Opera Classica Europa and Mythos Opera Festival. Notable roles include Figaro (The Marriage of Figaro), Leporello (Don Giovanni), and parts in La Bohème, The Countess, Beethoven’s 9th Symphony, Mozart’s Thamos, King of Egypt, and Philip Glass’s A Madrigal Opera. In 2017, he recorded the role of Lubor in Feliks Nowowiejski’s The Baltic Legend with Sinfonia Varsovia under Sebastian Perłowski. Samuel Ferreira Hades, Baritone Samuel Ferreira is a Brazilian baritone who has achieved success on stages across Europe, the USA, Brazil, and China, performing in operas, recitals, and symphonic concerts. A laureate and finalist of numerous competitions, he was honored with the Encouragement Award by The Metropolitan Opera in New York. In addition to his stage career, Samuel is also a voice teacher and music educator. He is currently pursuing postgraduate studies in Psychoanalysis and Arts and runs a private vocal and recording studio, “Soul and Sound Studio, ” in Warsaw. Javier Cárcel Hidalgo-Saavedra Triptolemus, Tenor Javier is a performance maker, actor, director, from Valencia, Spain. His work Bridges tradition and contemporary expression, shaped by his “bastard” identity—an ever-evolving mix of disciplines, cultures, and strategies that he sees as a strength. His performances embrace the unpredictable and transformative, rooted in collaboration, intercultural exchange, and artistic risk. He is currently performing in ELEUSIS with Song of the Goat Theatre and serves as Assistant Director for FARRA by the National Company of Classical Theatre / Lucas Escobedo, nominated for three Max Awards and a finalist for Best Musical Theatre Performance. In 2024, he directed and performed in NOBODY SLEEPS, winner of the Institut del Teatre’s Creation, Research, and Thought Award. Javier trained at the International Laboratory of the Actor in Movement (2010) and earned a BA in Physical Theatre from Institut del Teatre in Barcelona (2015). From 2010 to 2016, he performed and co-directed works with artists including Ximo Flores, Matej Matejka, Lluis Graells, Jordi Basora, Pedro Galiza, Amalia Fernández, Eulàlia Bergadà, and Andrés Corchero, and collaborated with Obskené Theatre and MOVEO on Tu vas Tomber, which won the Audience Award at the Huesca Festival and the Emerging Artist Prize at Festival Imaginarius. From 2016 to 2022, he worked at the Workcenter of Jerzy Grotowski and Thomas Richards – National Theater / Teatro della Toscana, performing in Sin Fronteras, The Underground, and Songs of Tradition. His ongoing training includes work with LosCorderos.sc, Gey Pin Ang, Milòn Mela, Pere Sais, Teatr ZAR, Natalka Polovynka, Carlota Subirós, Alejandro Tomas Rodriguez, and Thomas Richards. In 2024, he completed an MA in Contemporary Physical Performance Making (CPPM) at the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre, working with artists and companies such as DV8, GECKO, Tanztheater Wuppertal Pina Bausch, Theater Re, La Pocha Nostra, Electric Company Theatre, and others. In 2022, he founded NO(W)HERE – Performing Arts Lab, continuing his nomadic teaching practice and developing new performances through collaborative res