ZAMEK Culture Centre

Experience theatre in a relaxed, inclusive, and participant-led way in this dynamic workshop open to all— deaf, hard-of-hearing, able-bodied, and wheelchair users alike. No matter your background or ability, if you love theatre or anyone who may feel they lack the skills or confidence in ‘traditional acting’ but are keen to explore performance through play, then you are welcome!

Led by Jonny Cotsen, a deaf inclusion consultant from the UK, this interactive 90 minute session is designed to break down barriers, build confidence, and encourage creative expression. Through drama games and exercises, you’ll connect with others, explore new ways of communication, and step outside your comfort zone in a supportive and engaging environment.

Whether you're an experienced performer or completely new to theatre, this workshop offers a safe space to play, learn, and grow. Come discover the magic of theatre, challenge perceptions, and celebrate the unexpected!

Jonny Cotsen – a qualified graphic designer and art teacher who gave up his professional career to develop as a performance artist, facilitator and arts inclusion consultant. Jonny also leads inclusive drama workshops and is a Deaf equality trainer (training for people with and without disabilities), as well as a consultant for Disability Arts Cymru. Commissioned by Arts Council Wales, the artist created a "toolkit" for Welsh theaters and cultural institutions, with tips on how to improve access for Deaf and hearing-impaired audiences.

Cotsen is the initiator and programmer of Deaf Gathering Cymru, a festival in Cardiff created by Deaf artists for Deaf and hearing audiences. The multi-day event includes: performances, talks, a symposium, yoga classes, and a comedy night with an open mic. (https://www.chapter.org/news/deaf-gathering-cymru-2024)

Jonny is the child of hearing parents who feared that deafness would stigmatize their son. That's why they sent him to speech therapy and taught him to lip-read. As a child, Jonny did not identify as "Deaf," he was suspended between two worlds – hearing and Deaf – not fully belonging to either.

Polish Sign Language translation: Bernard Kinov, Alicja Famulska

The workshop is part of the ZAMEK theatre programme implemented as part of the Europe Beyond Access project; it is one of the events of the UK/Poland Season 2025 financed by the British Council.

 ACCESSIBILITY:

- Workshop in English and British Sign Language, translated into Polish and Polish Sign Language.

- No audio description;

- Suggested age: 18+;

- Duration: 120 minutes;

- Tickets: 20 PLN

A companion of a person with a disability is entitled to a ticket for 1 PLN. The ticket can be purchased at the CK ZAMEK box office and on the bilety24.pl website. Look for the ticket named "assistant of a person with a disability". Tickets for assistants will be verified based on the purchased regular ticket for the person with a disability and upon presentation of a disability certificate.

- How to get here? The entrance to the ZAMEK Culture Center is currently difficult due to renovation. Please pay attention to the signs indicating the direction to the main entrance and to the entrance for people using wheelchairs. We can provide assistance to visually impaired people in moving around the CK ZAMEK space and in reaching the building from the immediate vicinity. If you need support in this area, please write to Anna Pawłowska: a.pawlowska@ckzamek.pl or call: 61 64 65 254.

- For people who like to know what to expect in a new place, we recommend reading the Pre-Guide to CK ZAMEK and the list of toilets for people with physical disabilities. 

- More information in the „Accessibility” tab on our website