Eko Shakespeare - The role of the river in the life of the city

All the art and workshop activities accompanying the event were designed in the spirit of zero waste and sustainable development. Creative activities are based on the promotion of the idea of recycling and upcycling and the consistent use of ecological, natural materials. Thanks to this, we show in practice how to minimize our carbon footprint and negative impact on the environment, giving objects a “second life”.

Our overriding goal is to sensitize young audiences to the beauty and fragility of the surrounding nature. Active participation in classes is not only great fun, but above all an engaging ecology lesson. We want to help children understand how complex, fascinating ecosystems function — from the life-giving role of rivers, wild meadows and pollinators, to the importance of urban forests and green spaces for sustainable urban development.

Through the prism of Shakespeare's art and the unique nature of Gdańsk, we will talk openly about the challenges of our time. We will focus on how climate change disrupts the natural cycles of the seasons and how important it is to protect biodiversity. We want young participants to understand the real impact of human activities on the quality of the environment in which we live and to develop pro-ecological attitudes, realizing that each of us has an impact on the future of our planet.

10.10.2026, 11:00-12:30 Anna Ratkiewicz and Matylda Sokołowska “Backyard garden in Gdańsk then and today (based on William Shakespeare's garden in Stratford)” In the class you will learn what kind of gardener the famous Mr. Shakespeare was and what his private garden in Stratford looked like (he even had his favorite tree!). You will also learn about the history of the green corners of Gdańsk — every family wanted to have one, and you will find out why. You will gain new knowledge about the ecological importance of green spaces in the city. Your task will be to design your own dream garden and present it to other participants.

07.11.2026, 11:00-12:30 Anna Ratkiewicz and Matylda Sokołowska “Colors found in nature (based on Shakespeare's play “A Midsummer Night's Dream”)” In the class we will talk about colors: our favorites and those about which Mr. Shakespeare wrote. We will learn a fragment of the comedy “A Midsummer Night's Dream” and conjure up a magical meadow in the forest in Gdańsk at the time of the summer solstice (theater is magic, so we pretend it's summer!). You will discover the importance of colors in nature, what role they play in communication, survival and reproduction. Plus: you can come to class dressed from head to toe in your favorite color!

12.12.2026, 11:00-12:30 Anna Markowska-Świtajska and Matylda Sokołowska “Picturesque seasons (based on Shakespeare's play “Winter's Tale”) During the classes we will admire the seasons that are visible in Gdańsk: colors, smells and shapes will be important. We will get acquainted with a fragment of the play “Winter's Tale” and divide into four teams. Everyone will have the task of showing as beautifully as possible the advantages of a particular season. You will understand the features of individual seasons in nature. You will learn that climate change affects the disruption of natural cycles in nature.

09.01.2027, 11:00-12:30 Anna Markowska-Świtajska and Matylda Sokołowska “We invent a new kind of Gdańsk rose (based on Shakespeare's play “Romeo and Juliet”)” In the class we will talk about the queen of all flowers and Mr. Shakespeare's favorite flower, that is, the rose. We will find out what names, species and colors it has. We will get to know a fragment of the play “Romeo and Juliet” — inspired by a love story, we will design our own rose (grown in Gdańsk) and give it a unique name. We will also try to answer together whether the emergence of new species has a good effect on the natural environment.

20.02.2027, 11:00-12:30 Anna Markowska-Świtajska and Matylda Sokołowska “We arrange a bouquet for Ophelia (based on Shakespeare's play “Hamlet”)” In the class we will find out what flowers one of Shakespeare's characters — Ophelia liked and learn about their Renaissance symbolism (do you know what nettle meant, for example?). We will explain what role flowers play in the functioning of terrestrial ecosystems. In Mr. Shakespeare's play “Hamlet”, Ophelia arranged her bouquet, and we will make one that she might like. It will be our gift to her and at the same time a visiting card of Gdańsk, a colorful and fragrant symbol of our city.

06.03.2027, 11:00-12:30 Anna Markowska-Świtajska and Matylda Sokołowska “The role of the river in the life of the city (based on Shakespeare's play “Merry Kumoshki from Windsor”) In the class we will learn more about the Thames, that is, the river that Shakespeare, a resident of London, knew. Then we will talk about our rivers in Gdańsk (Motława and its tributary, i.e. Raduni). Water in the city is very much needed. You will find that it is full of life and performs key natural functions, laying the foundation for sustainable urban development. Together with other participants we will prepare a large and long map of the bend of the river, and imagination will tell us what it will be useful for.

03.04.2027, 11:00-12:30 Anna Markowska-Świtajska and Matylda Sokołowska “Wild fields and meadows and their role in the ecosystem (based on Shakespeare's play “Macbeth”)” In the class we will find out, among others, why we need weeds and what is the role of bees for the history of mankind. On the map of Gdańsk we will look for wild corners. Inspired by the mysterious moors of Mr. Shakespeare's Scottish play (Macbeth), we will prepare theatrical scenes that could take place in the meadow near Shakespeare's. In good weather we will go there at the end of the class!

08.05.2027, 11:00-12:30 Anna Markowska-Świtajska and Matylda Sokołowska “What is buzzing in the Gdańsk forest? (based on Shakespeare's play “A Midsummer Night's Dream”)” In class, we will find out why the forest from Mr. Shakespeare's play “A Midsummer Night's Dream” was magical. Then we will talk about our Gdańsk forests (including the Tri-City Landscape Park, which has almost 20 thousand hectares!). We will tell you about the function of the forest in the human environment. Finally, together with other participants, we will make a listening session — we will tell with sounds about the forest and its secrets (we will even conjure up rain).