Tischner variations. Philosophical Cabaret

Just as in ancient Greece there were philosophers, in Poland from the dawn of time we have “myndroli”, or Highlanders. The play, based on the bestselling “Philosophy in the Highlands”, invites not only to the mind of the outstanding writer and philosopher, Father Józef Tischner. It is also a journey full of wisdom, optimism and humor into the element of anecdotes, gwara, music and dance straight from Podhale. A sentimental journey through the intricate paths of the highlander art of “myndrka”, in which the trivial dilemmas of everyday life deserve as much storytelling as lofty treatises on the nature of the world and man. This is proof that — I argued Tischner — everything can be translated into “highlander”.

“Tischner Variations. Philosophical Cabaret” is a warm, witty and wise story. Great acting draws attention here — each character has a concrete, strong character, is expressive and memorable. (...) The characters are redrawn, here we get a picture of Podhal in a slightly crooked mirror, which shows the distance to life, having different shades. “Tischner Variations” is a show to which you can return with joy, because conversations while grazing sheep, fishing or drinking glass are filled with sentences that (due to the quantity) cannot be remembered. It also takes a moment to get used to the sound, and then the performance draws in, the atmosphere is given, and the smile almost does not come off your face. — Joanna Marcinkowska, “Dziennik Teatralny”

It is worth going to the STU Theater in Krakow for a play that will present human nature in a witty and somewhat grotesque, but thought-provoking way. They are “Tischner Variations. Philosophical Cabaret” directed by Artur “Baron” Więcek, on the STU Stage since 2009. (...) since writing the script, Artur Więcek has also benefited from excerpts from “News from the Listener”, a conversation between the Podhale poet Wanda Czubernatowa and Józef Tischner. This book, together with the “History of Philosophy in the Highlander”, is a treasure trove of history and anecdotes. The performance was enlivened by the music of the Trebunie Tutki band, introducing an idyllic, highlander mood to the Krakow stage. Theatrical art, somewhat cabaret in its form, but appealing to valuable content, fulfills the recommendation to “teach while entertaining”. The fulfillment of this postulate is evidenced by the filled seats for the audience, despite the evening time in the middle of the week, and their reactions and thunderous applause. This means that the Highlands is a living and still interpreted phenomenon in Polish culture. — Emilia Kwapniewska, kulturatka.pl