Jakub Gontarski

Jakub Gontarski trained at 13 Stunt School in Wrocław. He initiated the String Body programme dedicated to exploring the expression, presence, dramaturgy and creativity of martial arts in the path of Warrior-Performer. To find inspiration, he travels to Brazil, where he takes active part in and documents candomblé rituals. He has co-created many performances, including Animan – I Am Thatand Madhouse, and performs movement improvisations on stage to live music. Jakub practiced the Japanese martial art of judo and the Brazilian martial art of capoeira, in Brazil and in many European countries. He studied with eminent movement practitioners in Poland and internationally. His inspirations are Brazilian jiu-jitsu, boxing, sport and body mechanics. He collaborates with the Grotowski Institute as a leader of the Two Paths Studio, which is part of the BodyConstitution research programme. He is a co-organiser of the Cyrkulacje Festival in Wrocław, including the Planet Kids project, and is President of the Momentum Association of Creative Initiatives. He worked for the Krzyżowa Foundation for Mutual Understanding in Europe, running workshops and creating choreographies and performances with an international group of young people. Jakub leads workshops with socially excluded youth in Wrocław, also as part of Thought in Motion, a project of the Institute of Music and Dance. He taught movement classes at Ente private kindergarten (European Cooperation Centre). He plays Afro-Brazilian instruments, and is the author of a poetry book, Death and Rebirth.