Slōnskie pigeons. Silesian tale of love, work and wonder

Chamber opera with elements of comedy and dramaturyCoProduction: Museum of Polish History, Warsaw and Silesian Opera BytompraPremiere: 4/03/2027, Museum of Polish History, Warsaw

The linguistic richness of Poland is not always reflected in musical works. The performance WòloBòskó sung in Kashubian and referring to local performances was staged at the Teatr Wielki - National Opera in the 2024/2025 season. It was a story about the unhappy love of a couple of lovers, this time a story, no less dramatic, but ending with a happy ending, was immersed in the Silesian language and folklore.

Ślōnskie gołymbie is an intimate musical performance depicting the story of Milka and Wilusia, who have to fight for their love. Milka is a young, beautiful, full of life girl. At first sight and with reciprocity, she falls in love with Wilusi, but on the way to their happiness comes a strict father. Hopke guards his daughters like an eye in his head, which is why he does not allow a marriage with a poor miner, waiting for a better party for the girl. The commentators of this story are the ubiquitous neighbors, whose attention will not miss any detail. Although they can sometimes afford a cut of attention, they cheer for a couple in love. A key role in the whole story is played by Ponboczek, who unexpectedly helps the young to achieve their goal and leads to the marriage of Milka and Wilusia.

In this performance, a large dose of humor is mixed with the dramatic fates of the main characters, and the local history and songs of Upper Silesia with a universal parable about love. The action is fast-paced and takes us through the different stages of the couple's life from the moment of falling in love, through despair, hope, until the final celebration of life, although not without also the dramatic events that overshadow the joyful ceremony.

Łukasz Godyla, the author of the musical concept, has prepared this Silesian songbook of deep feeling, determination, value of work and unusual twists of fate, in cooperation with Anna Hop, who is responsible for the script, direction and selection of songs — a choreographer known for her performances updating old stories and presenting them in a contemporary context, serving It also has a rich and beautiful theatrical language. The performance is a continuation of the project by Waldemar Dąbrowski, who was the initiator of the exhibition Wòlo Bòskó.

The performances take place at the Museum of Polish History in the Warsaw Citadel. Guard 1