Could there be a more Gdynia-like means of transport than... a ‘trajtek’? Trolleybuses are the basis of the story ‘Majka z Kajtkiem jada trajtkiem’ (Majka and Kajtek are travelling by 'trajtek'), which will premiere on 7 February at the Consulate of Culture. However, before we get to know the whole story, families took to the streets of the city to learn about the background of this tale, which refers to the 100th anniversary of Gdynia, in a special city game.
This is a glimpse into the history of the city, but in a form suitable for the youngest audience. Through a children's story, they will learn about mysterious scents available only in the Baltona shop, the secrets of the Baltic Sea depths, and about Kashubian themes from the early days of the village of Gdynia.
On Sunday (1 February), Gdynia residents were treated to a special city game featuring trolleybuses, to feel the atmosphere before the premiere of ‘Majka z Kajtkiem jadą trajtkiem’. Historic vehicles were parked at several points around the city, and in each of them, it was possible to play the roles of the title characters of the show, who discover the secrets of Gdynia.
From trajtek to trajtek, or a game in the field
A city game is a form that primarily engages entire families in joint fun and outdoor activities. Despite the frosty weather, the Consulate of Culture was filled with people eager to learn a part of the plot of the theatrical tale.
Registration of game participants at the Consulate of Culture. On the left, you can see the lantern that all participants had to relight (photo: Kamil Złoch)
Let us remind you that the children's play directed by Agnieszka Płoszajska will be staged for the first time on 7 February (also at the Consulate of Culture). It will be one of the events related to the celebration of the 100th anniversary of Gdynia.
Today's city game, which refers to the history of Gdynia and, as you can see, has involved a whole bunch of families, is a preview of this premiere. The Consulate of Culture is the operator of the 'Gdynia Rodzinna' (Family Gdynia) programme, and today's game is part of that programme. We work for families, but also for culture, promoting the history and identity of our city, says Katarzyna Korzeniewska, director of the Gdynia Cultural Centre.
Participants in Sunday's game had a total of four locations to visit in the centre of Gdynia, and at each of them, with historic trolleybuses parked, there were animators and special tasks to complete. After collecting four pieces of amber for their completion, the participants worked together to restore the light in the lantern that was waiting at the Consulate of Culture.
Our animators refer to the characters, but you can also meet people associated with the performance itself. We have prepared short puzzles and fun, integrative tasks, partly sensory and partly dexterity-based, because the game is aimed at parents with small children, so the tasks are simple and enjoyable, explains Piotr Milewski from Sirius Game Studio, the author of the city game.
The game uses vehicles that occasionally appear on the streets of Gdynia and are already well known to public transport enthusiasts. These are the 1957 Saurer 4TIILM, the 1975 Skoda 9Tr, the 1984 ZiU 9 and the youngest of them, the 1994 Jelcz Pr110E.
Moving between the game locations was also made easier by a modern Solaris trolleybus from the Gdynia Trolleybus Transport Company, which transported participants between tasks.
Discover the secrets of Gdynia with Majka and Kajtek
What exactly is the plot of the titular story? It is a musical performance for children, full of Gdynia themes and references to the city's history.
The main characters, Majka and Kajtek, have known each other for a long time. Majka, who is visiting Gdynia, sets off on her way back home, and Kajtek decides to accompany her to the station. However, they do not know that their trolleybus will take an unexpected detour. The reason for this is the mysterious ‘Light’ – an unknown creature with extraordinary powers. Wanting to find a place for it, the children embark on a magical journey through the history of Gdynia.
During this extraordinary tour, they will meet iconic figures from the city's past, discover the secrets of the area, including the legend of the historic lighthouse in Oksywie, and learn that courage and kindness can illuminate even the most unexpected adventures.
All this is accompanied by original music and dynamic, imaginative stage design. The cast of the show includes Aleksandra Rowicka, Mateusz Tarkowski, Angele Villanueva Jara, Kinga Olszańska and Filip Bieliński. The author of the script is Emil Płoszajski, and the director is the aforementioned Agnieszka Płoszajska.
See the show at the Consulate of Culture
When will you be able to see ‘Majka z Kajtkiem jadą trajtkiem’ at the Consulate of Culture in Gdynia? The first performance dates are during the anniversary celebrations: on 7, 8, 9 and 10 February. Admission is by tickets, available e.g. on the Gdynia Culture Centre website.
That's not all – it is already known that the theatrical tale related to the city's centenary will also be available to see in the following months: on 15, 16 and 17 March, on 31 May, on 1, 2, 22 and 23 June.
Main photo: Kamil Złoch