You’ve probably seen Teresa Przybylski’s name in several theatre programs, as she’s made her mark on the theatre scene with her incredible and innovative designs. Now, she’s putting that attention to detail into Koffler Arts’ Self-Portrait As A Coffee Pot by William Kentridge. Teresa tells me all about her career, this project, and what folks can expect from this unique event.

1. Could you please introduce yourself to my readers and tell us about your role with Self-Portrait As A Coffee Pot?

I am an architect and a theatre designer. I also taught theatre design at York University.

My designs for sets and costumes can be seen in theatre opera dance and film. 

I am recipient of five Dora Mavor Moore Awards for theatre projects and two Gemini Awards for film production design. 

For Self- Portrait as a Coffee Pot  I worked with Matthew Jocelyn,  director of a Koffler Arts to create a space that will bring a spirit of William Kentrtridge and at the same time be a very comfortable place for people to watch nine movies, created by William Kentradge during first few COVID years. 

2. What first got you started in theatre design?

I studied Scenography  at the Fine Art Academy in Poland .

This was after I got my master degree in Architecture at the Technical university in Krakow.

3. What has it been like getting to design a full room around Self-Portrait As A Coffee Pot?

It was an immensely satisfying project. I am a big admirer of William Kentradge, his art, his personality and his generosity of sharing his artistic journeys. 

I was happy to emerge in various projects he presented in the movies, and balance his artistic visual  influences with the objectives we have for the space. 

4. Do you have a favourite element to your design for this project?

I like our cutouts. Kentridge’s figure brings his real persona into the room and the tools are referencing his ideas of playing with scale, animation and everyday things. 

5. What do you hope audiences take away from this experience?

I hope people will reflect on Kentridge as an artist and also on art in general terms and creation. 

I hope people  enjoy the whole idea of the movie, our presentation and that they come more than once to watch it and have coffee. 

I want to thank Teresa for taking the time to answer my questions. Self-Portrait As A Coffee Pot is running at Koffler Arts until March 8. For more information and tickets, visit: https://www.kofflerarts.org/whatson/exhibitions/exhibition/william-kentridge-self-portrait-as-a-coffee-pot

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Natalia, Steve, Brendan, Deborah, Eleanor

And to my supporters who’ve bought me a coffee:

Angelica and Paul, Anonymous, Adrianna, Caitlin, Jonathan, Jada, and Courtney

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Or, you can buy me a coffee at: buymeacoffee.com/aviewfromthebox