FA - Festen - accompanying performance

Andrzej Frycz-Modrzewski University in Cracow

Thomas Winterberg, Mogens Rukov

Festen

Adapted and directed by: Katarzyna Deszcz

Authors: Thomas Vinterberg, Mogens Rukov

Scenographic supervision: Łukasz Błażejewski

Set design: Emilia Sarga

Costumes: Wero Wysoczyńska

Choreography: Zofia Hepatba

Make-up: School of Makeup and Styling Artistic Alternative

Lighting design: Wojciech Kiwacz

Sound design: Kacper Kwinta

Premiere: March 13, 2026, Nowy Proxima Theatre in Krakow

Duration: 110 min.

Cast: Marcin Mróz (Helge), Julia Sierakowska (Else), Maksymilian Wicher (Christian), Olga Lukasik (Helene), Jan Waclawowicz (Michael), Anna Denysenko (Mette), Volodymyr Mashuk (Helmut), Philip Madeja (Lars), Daria Shchehlova (Pia), Adrianna Ciesielska (Michelle), Jakub Ormaniec (Alex) and Kacper Chudzik (Leif), Kacper Olszewski (Bent), Michał Ślizgi (Uncle), Zofia Hepatba (Aunt), Weronika Kopacz (Linda)

The Family Secret That Changes Everything

In the general consciousness, Denmark is seen as a country of peace and happiness, where compliance with established rules is the key to the safety and well-being of its inhabitants. But aren't there any scratches visible up close in this perfect image?

The starting point is a 1998 film directed by Thomas Vinterberg — a story in which a seemingly conventional and predictable family celebration turns into a black comedy. The opportunity to celebrate becomes a field for sincere reckoning. We will see demanding roles, brilliantly played by young artists, Thin and delicate threads of family relationships tear almost in the hands of the heroes. The truth turns out to be shocking and uncomfortable. Is silence in the face of evil the solution? Are years of lack of response really a good way to survive?

“The show shows the inner image of a demoralized family. It seems that everyone is happy, they like each other, they respect the noble Helge, but they also quickly begin to wash the household dirt. Shocking is the violent behavior of Michael — the youngest son of the Klingenfeldt (the amazing role of Jan Wacławowicz) towards his trusting wife — Mette (Anna Danysenko). Strange male-female arrangements also come to light with the service — for example, Christian's rekindling romance with maid Pia (Daria Shchehlova). Superficial correctness, the image of apparent family happiness, melt in the eyes. Helge's actions over the years were tolerated by all. It is only this jubilee celebration, to which the eldest son of the Klingenfeldt, Christian, arrives from Paris (the excellent role of Maximilian Wichr) that becomes a turning point.

Janusz M. Paluch on “Festen”