WARSAW – Fifty years ago, the poet Zdzisław Jerzy Bolek, a representative of the “Contemporaneity” generation, died tragically. To commemorate this, the legendary Pod Górkę Theatre has prepared a special poetic-musical performance: “Everything Lies Ahead – Zdzisław Jerzy Bolek: The Poet of Love.” Directed by Stanisław Górka, this premiere will launch the theatre’s summer season in the picturesque Mazovian village of Kopki. This unique and atmospheric event will offer a shared experience of beautiful poetry and exquisite music, introducing the works of one of the most original and compelling poets of the “Contemporaneity” generation.
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Why Mark the 50th Anniversary of Zdzisław Jerzy Bolek’s Death?
Zdzisław Jerzy Bolek was a poet of the “Contemporaneity” generation and a supporter of the journal bearing the same name. His poetry defended emotion against cynicism and monotony. He was among those whose lives were abruptly ended mid-sentence—killed in a car accident on June 22, 1975. His verses often convey a haunting premonition of impending tragedy. Despite this, his works radiate belief in Goodness, Love, and Friendship.
What Is the Program for the Pod Górkę Theatre’s Summer Stage?
May 11, 2025, 6:00 PM
Premiere of “Everything Lies Ahead – Zdzisław Jerzy Bolek: The Poet of Love” – a poetic-musical performance directed by Stanisław Górka, honoring the 50th anniversary of the poet’s death.
May 18, June 15, July 20
“COLAS BREUGNON” – An epic tale of a Burgundian carpenter and sculptor celebrating life, love, and literature, enriched with Georges Brassens’ ballads. Based on the novel by Nobel laureate Romain Rolland. (Adaptation/director: Tadeusz Wiśniewski, music: Jerzy Derfel, as Colas Breugnon – Stanisław Górka)
May 25, October 12
“THAT DEAR LVIV, THE CITY OF DREAMS” – A musical journey to the beloved pre-war city of Szczepcio and Tońcio, blending humor and nostalgia. (Music archive: Zbigniew Rymarz, arrangement: Andrzej Perkman, as Tońcio – Stanisław Górka)
June 8, August 10, October 5
“SONGS OF LOVE AND HATE by Leonard Cohen” – A performance featuring Cohen’s poetry, lyrics, and 15 of his most iconic songs. (Director: Sławomir Gaudyn, music: Andrzej Perkman, as Cohen – Stanisław Górka)
June 22
“ONE & MY” – A comedic and musical take on male-female dynamics based on Allan and Barbara Pease’s books. (Director: Tadeusz Wiśniewski, music: Jerzy Derfel, music arrangement: Andrzej Perkman, as Professor – Stanisław Górka)
June 29, August 3, August 17
“TEVYE THE DAIRYMAN’S STRUGGLES WITH GOD” – A touching yet humorous monologue based on Sholem Aleichem’s stories, featuring songs by Mordechaj Gebirtig. (Director: Sławomir Gaudyn, music: Andrzej Perkman, as Tevye – Stanisław Górka)
July 6, July 27, September 14, September 28
“AND HOW COULD ONE NOT GO… THE RETURN OF THE OLD GENTLEMEN” – The music and lyrics of Jerzy Wasowski and Jeremi Przybora spanning the seasons of life. (Director: Grażyna Matyszkiewicz, music: Jerzy Derfel, choreography: Emil Wesołowski, as The Traveller – Stanisław Górka)
July 13
“LIDIA GIERWIAŁŁO – POETESS OF OUR SMALL HOMELAND” – The poetry and songs of the notable author from the Otwock region, interpreted by Stanisław Górka.
August 24, September 21
“THE PATH OF WOJCIECH MŁYNARSKI AND JERZY DERFL” – A concert of songs by lyricist Wojciech Młynarski and composer Jerzy Derfel, with anecdotes about both artists. (Music: Andrzej Perkman)
August 31
“THE ETERNAL WANDERER” – A cabaret monologue based on texts by Marian Hemar, the patriotic poet of the Polish diaspora in London. (Director: Tadeusz Wiśniewski, music: Andrzej Perkman, as The Wanderer – Stanisław Górka)
September 7
“THE POETS CLOSEST TO KOPKI AND GÓRKI” – A poetry and song concert featuring contemporary works and live Facebook readings by Stanisław Górka, with compositions by Piotr Golla.
Who Was Zdzisław Jerzy Bolek?
Zdzisław Jerzy Bolek (b. January 14, 1934 – d. June 22, 1975) was a poet, journalist, and cultural sociologist. He co-founded the “Contemporaneity” journal and the “Koziołeczek” Theatre. He was known for exploring themes of love and existential reflection.
What Books Did He Publish?
- “Rose” (1958)
- “Assurance of Love” (1973)
- “Beyond the Border of Sleep” (1975)
- “Before There Is Only Silence” (1978, posthumous)
- “When I Love” (1999, posthumous)
What Was His Broader Literary Role?
He served as director of Iskry Publishing (1969–1972), launched the “Biographies of Poles” series, and co-edited Faces of Youth. He was involved in the Correspondence Club for Young Writers and sat on the publishing board of Arkady. His honors include the Knight’s Cross of the Order of Polonia Restituta and the Gold Cross of Merit.
Premiere Details
The premiere of “Everything Lies Ahead – Zdzisław Jerzy Bolek: The Poet of Love” will take place on Sunday, May 11, 2025, at 6:00 PM at Pod Górkę Theatre, Kopki, ul. Nad Świdrem 45.
Who Is Stanisław Górka?
Stanisław Kazimierz Górka is a renowned Polish theatre, film, and television actor, as well as an academic. A graduate of the State Theatre School in Warsaw, he earned his doctorate in 1987 and habilitation in 2002. In 2015, he was awarded the title of Professor of Theatrical Arts by President Bronisław Komorowski.
Where Has He Performed?
Górka has appeared on stages including Warsaw’s Contemporary Theatre, Dramatic Theatre, New Theatre, and theatres in Koszalin and Bydgoszcz. He gained widespread recognition for his role in the TV series Plebania. Since 1993, he has led the Pod Górkę Theatre Society.
In What Films Has He Acted?
His filmography includes: Circulatory System, World Record, Secret Detective, Overdue Leave, Nice Cast, Queen’s Father, The Conductor, Hidden in the Sun, The Great Picnic, Friends, The Longest War of Modern Europe, Ash Wednesday, Verification, For Ourselves, The Possessed, Studios, Jan Kiliński, Maids and Widows, The Reversed, Colonel Kwiatkowski, Glory and Honor, Plebania, Honey Years, Auschwitz, Magda M., Days of Honor: Uprising, Colors of Happiness, and Osiecka.
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Information Agency, Culture /DEC/ Pod Górkę Theatre / April 28, 2025