KYNREN PLAYS HOST TO POLISH COUNTERPARTS

KYNREN PLAYS HOST TO POLISH COUNTERPARTS

Kynren, in County Durham, recently welcomed a team of Polish counterparts to share information about their respective spectacular live shows.

Both Kynren and Park Dzieje’s The Eagle and the Cross night show are inspired by national heritage, and the two organisations are passionate about uniting volunteers to tell the story of their ancestors.

The Eagle and the Cross is a spectacular story about the fate of Poland, from the founding of the Polish State to the regaining of independence and features over 1,500 historical figures. 

Park Dzieje has 350 volunteers, so whilst it is a smaller operation than Kynren’s 1,000-strong cast and crew, both theatrical attractions had a lot to learn from the fact-finding trip.

Nine Park Dzieje team members visited Bishop Auckland to experience Kynren – An Epic Tale of England. During their visit they toured the Kynren site and met with several departments to share knowledge about their industry.

Stefan Ogorzalek, who looks after the volunteers and skills workshop academy at Park Dzieje said: “Kynren is exceptional and fabulous. Several effects are similar to those in our show and Kynren’s scenography is beautiful, as is the landscape!

“The most valuable experience Kynren has taught us is that we share common values. We both believe that heritage, the tale of the history of our ancestors, is an excellent opportunity to connect people. This is a result of our common roots which are deeply embedded in European civilisation. We are happy to have made this discovery and believe that it will strengthen our preparations for the next season of Park Dzieje’s The Eagle and the Cross.”

What was initially a small trip became a three-day itinerary as Wendy Wilshere, head of volunteer casting and engagement at Kynren, created a must-see guide of the area. As well as Kynren, the Park Dzieje team enjoyed a complimentary trip to Beamish Museum and Bishop Auckland’s Faith Museum, as well as a local street food market where the team met Kynren’s volunteer recruitment team.

 Wendy believes sharing these opportunities is beneficial to the tourism sector in the UK and across Europe. She said: “Park Dzieje’s operation is similar to Kynren’s that it seems fitting to take a collaborative approach to share ideas and information.

“If any of the knowledge learnt from Kynren and other attractions visited can be put to use and further the legacy of Park Dzieje and their community’s involvement, I think we’ll be very pleased to have hosted them here in the famously hospitable Bishop Auckland.”

Like France’s Puy Du Fou, the trend of historical reenactment parks and shows is growing across Europe with centuries of history to inspire storylines.

 Park Dzieje’s team have reciprocated Kynren’s kindness and have invited the team and “the residents of the extremely hospitable Bishop Auckland” to next year’s season of The Eagle and the Cross.

For more information about Kynren and to book tickets, visit www.kynren.com