Marcin Januszkiewicz in the songs of Jack Cygan “Generation Y”

A true artistic encounter does not consist in the mechanical reproduction of known works. It is a living process that is supposed to move every sense. Just such an experience is the concert “Generation Y” in the Culture Zone. Jacek Cygan and Marcin Januszkiewicz seemingly represent completely different worlds. However, their boundaries can be broken to tell together about the experiences of the millennial generation.

The starting point for this musical and multimedia show is the extremely rich work of Jack Cygan — an outstanding lyricist, poet and playwright. His greatest hits were created in the 80s and 90s, that is, in times that directly shaped the adolescence and youth of Marcin Januszkiewicz.

Today Januszkiewicz, as a renowned dramatic actor, musical actor and singer, uses these works to look at his generation. “Generation Y” thus becomes a story about people for whom the inner “being” is much more important than the material “having”. This is the story of a generation that began to see work as a means to an end rather than an end in itself, putting the fulfillment of their own dreams at the very center of their identity.

The project places great emphasis on a holistic, deep experience in which the visual layer becomes an equal partner for music. The author of the visual setting, Ola Knedler, created a space that allows you to feel the lyrics of Jack Cygan again, involving not only hearing, but above all sight.

The artist's vision takes the viewer on a surreal journey, in which successive paintings reflect the inner perception of man. Time in this world loses its rigid structure; it becomes fluid, soft and unobvious, referring directly to the dreamlike work of Salvador Dali. Such treatment allows the viewer to experience emotions more fully, almost physically, and to look at the condition of the contemporary Everyman — a representative of millennials, trapped in the apparent repeatability of human destinies.

Marcin Januszkiewicz, known for projects such as “Osiecka po mêsku” or “Perfect Lady Pank”, consistently proves that he cannot be locked in any artistic drawer. In the show “Generation Y”, supervised by music director Jacek Kita, this artistic freedom reaches another level. The sound layer boldly draws on the diversity of genres, balancing freely between modern electronics and the classic, intimate form of a poetic song.

Absolute icons of Polish entertainment music are woven into this modern musical narrative. During the concert, the audience will hear legendary works by Jack Cygan, among which will be songs such as “Generation”, “Time teaches us the weather”, “Wypijmy za”, “Everything has its time” or nostalgic “C'est la vie — Paris from a postcard”. What is important, in addition to the well-known generational anthems, there will also be brand new songs that Jacek Cygan wrote especially for Marcin Januszkiewicz, perfectly tailored to his stage sensibility.

Classic, universal texts combined with bold, contemporary arrangements and dreamlike imagery create a space for personal reflection. It's an opportunity to stop and think about what the millennial generation really leaves behind on the pages of history — what we gain as a society and what we lose irretrievably in the rush of everyday life. Whether you have known Jack Gypsy's lyrics by heart for years or are just about to discover their depth, this is an evening created to live it with all your sensitivity.