Mein Kampf

In popular opinion, Adolf Hitler's Mein Kampf is a book badly written, babbling, unread and, more importantly, unworthy of reading, and, moreover, almost inaccessible, because it is already historical, a forbidden book, which is better not to be touched. There are also those who think that the influence of “Mein Kampf” on human minds ended with the defeat of the Nazis — just like the first Polish publisher of the book, who wrote a quarter of a century ago: “I do not think that the author's views in their most abhorrent layer can influence anyone in Poland today” (Scripta Manet Publishing House, Krosno 1992).

Meanwhile, “Mein Kampf”, also after 1945, was and is translated, published, sold and read almost all over the world. It remains one of the most influential books of the 20th century. It can be bought, found on the Internet, and in some countries it is available for permanent sale in bookstores. In 2016, “Mein Kampf” entered the public domain, as the copyright to it expired. It takes 0.35 seconds (according to Google search) to reach a copy in Polish.

By looking at “Mein Kampf”, we seek to examine to what extent the postulates and ideas written more than ninety years ago are relevant today. Analyzing Hitler's language and narrative, we ask ourselves about the language of the present and hate speech. We ask how many words had to fall before the Holocaust happened, and how many more must be said for history to repeat itself.

Why, despite the experiences of the Second World War, did fascism and National Socialism once again become attractive ideologies, and nationalist banners and slogans so quickly replaced pride in a multiculturally diverse, united Europe? We wonder if the answer to these questions can be found in Hitler's book. Especially in a situation where the combination of nationalist slogans and socialist postulates is becoming a frequent practice of populist political groups.

On the 100th anniversary of Poland's independence, marches promoting fascist ideologies marched through the streets across the country (often under the patronage of politicians), in Polish churches masses are organized in which nationalists display their symbols, and many organizations, under the pretext of “promoting patriotic values”, organize concerts in which offensive content is promoted § 1. Article 256 of the Civil Code: “Whoever publicly promotes a fascist or other totalitarian state system or incites hatred against the background of national or ethnic differences, Racial, religious or non-religious, he shall be liable to a fine, restriction of liberty or imprisonment of up to two years.”

In reflecting on “Mein Kampf”, we do not intend only to accuse and point out the persons and circles responsible for this type of action. Perhaps the social landscape conducive to the revival of the idea of National Socialism is broader, and our personal involvement in the process is greater than we think.

The playwright of the play, Prof. Grzegorz Niziołek about “Mein Kampf”: here.

Conversations about the fight. Language. The law. Action

The premiere of the play “Mein Kampf” was accompanied by a series of meetings devoted to contemporary manifestations of nationalist ideology: here

additional event “What seduces us with fascism?” - debate after the play “Mein Kampf” directed by Jakub Skrzywanek.

In the year that marks one hundred years since the release of the second volume of “Mein Kampf”, the Wanda Traczyk-Stawska Active Democracy Foundation and the Zygmunt Hübner Powszechny Theater invite you to two debates after the play directed by Jakub Skrzywanek.

We ask why fascism, despite knowing where it leads, still finds followers in succeeding generations.

We will talk about what makes this ideology attract:

simple answers to complex problemsthe need for belonging and strong leaderlanguage that tames violencemanipulation techniques that work just as effectively today as in the thirtiesEvery evening we will invite other interlocutors and interlocutors, and both debates will consist of a look from the perspective of social psychology, sociology, philosophy, journalism and political science, combining historical analysis with modern diagnosis.

On October 24, the following will participate in the conversation:

prof. dr hab. Alfred Marek Wierzbicki — philosopher, Roman Catholic clergyman, poet and publicist. In the years 1992—2022, research and teaching staff of the Catholic University of Lublin, currently associated with the Maria Curie-Skłodowska University.Prof. Michał Bilewicz — social psychologist and sociologist, professor at the Faculty of Psychology of the University of Warsaw, head of the Center for Research on Prejudice. She deals with the psychology of stereotypes and prejudice, social memory, reconciliation, and historical trauma. Author of the book “Traumaland. Poles in the shadow of the past” .prof. Anna Siewierska — political scientist, professor at the University of Rzeszów. It explores political psychology, the language of politics and political mythology, and the impact of new media on radicalization, social polarization, and populism. Author of the book “The Politics of Fear. How fear kills democracy.” On October 25, the following will be discussed:

Przemysław Sadura, PhD — sociologist, researcher of social and political changes and electoral attitudes and behaviors.dr Przemysław Witkowski — political scientist and researcher of the radical right, assistant professor at Civitas University, deputy director of the Gabriel Narutowicz Institute of Political Thought. Author of, among others, books “Fascism that is coming”, “Laboratory of Violence. Political history of Roma” and “Russian Party”. Witold Tabaka — journalist and publicist.dr Anna Tatar — representative of the “NEVER AGAIN” Association, editor of the “Brown Book”, documenting racist and xenophobic events. She deals with countering hate speech and crimes motivated by prejudice.Moderator: Mr. King Dagmar Siadlak — lawyer, Vice-President of the Active Democracy Foundation, member of the Board of the Free Courts Foundation. Co-organizer of the Tour de Konstytucja and co-creator of the project “Stop Fascism”. Founder of the Defensor Iuris Bar Association.

theatrical BHPspectacle for viewers from the age of 18.

The performance uses a strobe effect (light pulsating with a high frequency) and low-frequency sounds. People who are sensitive to this type of lighting and sound are asked to exercise extreme caution.

cooperation and partnersThe show was part of the celebration of the Anti-Fascist Year: www.rokantyfaszystowski.org.

Patron of the show: Association “NEVER AGAIN”

The show was presented as part of the PROSPERO NEW EUROPEAN WAVE project.

availability Entrance to the building without stairs. The show takes place on the ground floor. Accessible toilet for people with disabilities. Induction loop. If you need support (e.g. assistance, headphones) please contact us 3 days before your scheduled visit: dostepnosc@powszechny.com +48 797582769