Roman Holc - Teatr Lalka

At Teatr Lalka since 1987. He received his puppeteer’s diploma in 1982.

In 1978–1980 at Teatr na Rozdrożu, in 1980–1982 at Teatr Guliwer in Warsaw.

Since 2006 he has run the Open Stage program at Teatr Lalka, where he works with children from educational care facilities. They prepared the productions Wyspa Słoneczników (The Island of Sunflowers) (2006), Rękawiczka (The Glove) (2011), Podwórko (The Courtyard) (2015), and Krzesło (The Chair) (2017)—the last two in collaboration with Katarzyna Uhma. He also runs the school theatre at secondary school no. 1 in Piastów. The theatre has prepared 11 premieres presented on the stage of Teatr Lalka.

Holc teaches techniques of puppetry art at the Cultural Studies Department of Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński University in Warsaw (since 2010).

For many years he ran courses for teachers and theatre instructors organized by the Mazovia Cultural Institute, teaching techniques used by puppeteers. As a puppeteer, Holc collaborated with stage director Agnieszka Glińska on her productions Opowieści o zwyczajnym szaleństwie (Tales of Common Insanity), 2005, and Pippi Pończoszanka (Pippi Longstocking), 2007, at Teatr Dramatyczny in Warsaw. He also collaborated with Polish Television programs for children Ciuchcia (The Small-Gauge Train), Ziarno (The Grain), Lizak (The Lolly), 1990–2000, Ala i As, and TVN productions Małe wiadomości DD (The Children’s News), 1992–1994, and Mini Playback Show.

Winner of the 1st Actor’s Prize at the 15th National Puppet Theatre Festival in Opole for his role of Piórkowski in Jan Tajemnik (John the Mysterious), directed by Ewa Sokół-Malesza in 1991.

Decorated with the Silver Medal for Merit to Culture—Gloria Artis (2008).

My favourite roles: 

The Boatswain in Robinson Crusoe, directed by Ondrej Spišák. An exceptional production by an exceptional stage director, a journey back to my childhood dreams of sailing inspired by reading adventure novels. Have you read Treasure Island? The Jew in Kraków Nativity Play, directed by Bohdan Radkowski. This production is a yearly celebration of Christmas with our spectators—many generations so far—that started 30 years ago! An exquisite experience for the cast, every year since the premiere. An exquisite experience for me, too. I have many favourite productions from Teatr Lalka. Some are favourite because they are new. Each time I have a chance to meet a new director, a new artist using new methods. A new individual with a new vision of the world and a new vision of the puppet theatre world. And of art. Each time it’s a new adventure. It’s our life.