Directed by Krzysztof Babicki, Juliusz Osterwa Theatre in Lublin, November 2001.
Recently Krakow was the site of celebrations of the 100th anniversary of the first staging of Adam Mickiewicz's DZIADY / FOREFATHER'S EVE. The most exceptional actors to play the role of Gustav-Konrad during the last decades recited a section of the work known as the Great Improvisation. Currently showing in Lublin is another staging of Mickiewicz's arch-drama, a production whose director has attempted to render contemporary this 19th century text.
Krzysztof Babicki's staging, as opposed to two recent other productions by Adam Sroka in Opole and Maciej Sobociński at the municipal theatre in Kalisz, does not attempt to court the viewer with elaborate theatrical machinery. Rather, it emphasizes simplicity of expression and is dominated by that which is most important: the word. The setting is the nearly empty space of a painting studio, where the artist (played by the excellent Pawel Sanakiewicz) puts aside his brush to transform into the Guślarz (Village Wizard). He uses his creative powers conjure up the ritual of Forefathers' Eve. Initially dressed in contemporary clothing, its participants smoothly change into historical costume as the action progresses, writes Rzeczpospolita.
The reviewer also praises Jacek Król for his performance in the leading role and expresses admiration for veteran actor Ignacy Gogolewski for his portrayal of the Senator.
Roman Pawłowski, theatre reviewer for Gazeta Wyborcza, shares this admiration but is more skeptical about the production in general.
The only actor who surprised in this production was Ignacy Gogolewski, making a guest appearance in the role of the Senator. His beginning is hackneyed; he draws out his words and strides majestically around the stage as he has done thousands of times in the roles of various rulers and aristocrats. And just when I thought that recent reports of this actor's comeback were exaggerated, he turned the character around one hundred and eighty degrees. Pouring vodka from a carafe more and more frequently, he stands on trembling legs as he looks at his courtiers through a thickening fog. Finally, the majestic, pompous Senator is transformed into a drunkard crying on the shoulder of Father Peter. Apart from Gogolewski, no one exceeds the routine and this is the downfall of the production, despite the quality of its music and visuals.
The question remains, has Mickiewicz's drama aged badly, or is it that the theatrical keys used to unlock are rusty?
Adam Mickiewicz, DZIADY / FOREFATHER'S EVE, adapted and directed by Krzysztof Babicki, scenery and lighting by Paweł Dobrzycki, music by Marek Kuczyński. Premiere: November 17, 2001 at the Juliusz Osterwa Theatre in Lublin.