Balladina

A show in which the grotesque and the tragedy hypnotize from the very first scenes.

Director Jan Hussakowski set himself the task of presenting the classics from the canon of readings in a new light, while remaining faithful to the drama written by the soothsayer. This performance sharpens the senses and experiences of the viewer, and in an unusual way brings him closer to the essence of the romantic work.

Is Balladyna just branded slogans such as: DEATH MOTIVE, JEALOUSY, BALLADYN — CRIMINAL, ALINA — VIRTUOUS AND SINCERE? Are we doomed only to radical abbreviations and simplifications? Does the story always have to repeat itself in the same way?

To confront these questions, the creators of the play turn to Susan Sontag's famous essay Against Interpretation, in which the author calls for the release of the oppressive shackles of an exclusively intellectual, rational way of perceiving art and encourages us to try to feel it. However, this is not so simple in reality, in which we are overwhelmed with abstracts and elaborations, and each subsequent edition of Słowacki's drama overflows with laconic footnotes on the edges of the pages.

As Maria Janion wrote, each new stage reading of “Balladyna” “prompts us to rethink the greatest work in Polish literature — the embodiment of the irony of tragic romanticism.” The story told in “Balladin” touches on themes of human nature such as love, betrayal, greed and lust. These universal motives provoke discussion and deep thought. Jan Hussakowski finds parallels in his work to the problems we all face today. He boldly takes the classics of Juliusz Słowacki to a new level, creating a show that is extremely contemporary.

The stage space is centered around three projection screens, which not only appeal to the tradition of 19th century theatrical canvases, but also open up space for modern forms of expression, creating an immersive, multimedia world. Digital footnotes and summaries create extraordinary dynamics and engage in an exciting journey through the history of drama.

Our actors give a true showcase of their capabilities. They undergo incredible metamorphoses from one character to another. They interact with multimedia scenography. They constantly balance between irony, distance, and full seriousness and touching emotions.

For seasoned viewers, this will be a break from the classic interpretation of the drama. For those who come into contact with Słowacki for the first time, it is a good start to a theatrical adventure. Balladyna — for a pot of raspberries she killed her sister because she was evil and power-hungry? But is the answer to this question a bit more complicated?

Powerful lighting effects, strobe light and loud music are used in the performance.

The play took part in the 10th Competition for the Staging of Old Works of Polish and European Literature “Living Classics”

Promotion “Teatralia”! Students and academic staff can buy tickets for selected performances at a price of PLN 40 🎟️ Tickets at a promotional price available only at the theater box office.

📞 Reservations can be made by phone or email.