08.12| Theatrical performance “Niedźwiedź Wojtek”
December 8 @ 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm
Theatrical performance “Niedźwiedź Wojtek”. The play, which is based on a text by Tadeusz Słobodzianek, is intended for older teenagers (16 and older) and adults. The show is directed by Aldona Figura, with actor Michal Piela performing in the play. The play had its pre-premiere special screening in August 2024 at the Capital of the Polish Language Festival in Szczebrzeszyn The duration of the play is 70 minutes.
Performance Description:
“Niedźwiedź Wojtek. The monodrama” by Tadeusz Słobodzianek tells an authentic story about the famous Persian bear, who was taken in by Polish soldiers in the nascent Anders Army during World War II and who “took part” in the Battle of Monte Cassino. The narrator of the story is Wojtek the bear himself, and from his perspective we learn about the history of the Second Polish Corps, from the uprising in Iraq, through the realities of the Battle of Monte Cassino, to the dissolution in Scotland after the war, as well as the military daily life and individual soldiers with different backgrounds, personalities and life stories, to whom the bear has become attached. For them, the bear is a mascot they play with and care about, but also someone they can confide in about their dilemmas, dreams and traumas. It seems as if Wojtek the bear has become a vehicle for recording human and historical history, which he reveals to us, modern people. It is as if he is a war veteran who recalls the times of his service and finds it difficult to find himself in the non-military reality. This is a story full of humor and emotion, about brotherhood and courage, but also irony and the tragedy of human (and animal) fate.
