WARSAW: In 1970, Ernest Bryll — one of the masters of Polish literature—wrote and published the drama „Na szkle malowane” (Painted on Glass), presenting culture as a folkloric, painted picture. This marked the beginning of the work’s journey, which has inspired writers, singers, and even painters for decades.

In „Painted on Glass,” Ernest Bryll employed poetic language stylized in folk dialect. He generously drew upon the narrative style typical of highlander storytellers, blending bawdy humor with lyricism and drama. The play consists of three episodes depicting the birth, love, and death of the legendary highland bandit Janosik.

Is „Painted on Glass” a musical or a song-play?

Ernest Bryll (libretto) and Katarzyna Gaertner (composer) created the Polish musical „Painted on Glass,” which they termed a „śpiewogra” (song-play). It became one of the most intriguing musical adventures in which artists, accompanied by a true galaxy of soloists and instrumentalists, took Polish audiences on a journey. Songs were performed by Maryla Rodowicz, Czesław Niemen, Halina Frąckowiak, Jerzy Grunwald, and the band Skaldowie. The premiere of „Painted on Glass” took place on March 17, 1970, at the Musical Theatre in Wrocław. Later, the play achieved widespread success on Polish stages, and many notable songs from it became staples in the repertoires of Polish performers.

Krystyna Janda selected Ernest Bryll’s song-play „Painted on Glass” for her directorial debut. Janda skillfully balanced the proportions between folk stylization and the demands of modern theatre. The titular character Janosik, portrayed by Emilian Kamiński, is akin to a mix between a handsome highlander and Tarzan, while his fiancée, „Swoja,” excellently portrayed by Justyna Sieńczyłło, impressively holds her own even amidst folk-inspired settings. The authentic highlander sound was provided by the band „Krywań” from Zakopane. The performance was lively and dynamic, featuring engaging character roles, notably by Dorota Stalińska. Its premiere in July 1993 at Warsaw’s Teatr Powszechny marked a triumphant return of the song-play to national stages. 

What does „Painted on Glass” mean?

The term „painted on glass” refers to the folk tradition of painting on glass from the inside. Painting on glass offers depth, texture, reflects light, and is easy to clean and maintain, creating a focal point. It evokes a fairytale aesthetic, particularly enhanced when sunlight passes through it.

What does „Painted Ernest Bryll” mean?

The exhibition „Painted Ernest Bryll” is now opening, dedicated to the memory of Ernest Bryll—a master of Polish literature—and aimed at popularizing and promoting his work. The event is co-organized by the Szembek Historical Society and its affiliated Painters’ Club. They have taken up the works of the eminent poet and writer Ernest Bryll and created their own visual interpretations of his poems.

When and where can one view the exhibition „Painted Ernest Bryll”?

The exhibition „Painted Ernest Bryll,” co-organized by the Szembek Historical Society and its affiliated Painters’ Club, is open to the public from May 31 to June 17, 2025, at the Center for Cultural Promotion at 2 Podskarbińska Street in Warsaw. Marcin Kokoszko serves as the curator.

Will an exhibition of paintings by Andrzej S. Grabowski open on the same day?

On Saturday, May 31, and running through June 17, 2025, another significant event will take place at the Center for Cultural Promotion. At 7:00 PM, an exhibition of paintings titled „Senses of the Cosmos,” by Andrzej S. Grabowski, will open, marking the commencement of celebrations for „50 Years of Creative Work by Andrzej S. Grabowski.” Marcin Kokoszko is also the curator of this exhibition, which will remain open until June 17, 2025, at the same location.

Which artists’ works can be seen at the „Painted Ernest Bryll” exhibition?

The exhibition „Painted Ernest Bryll,” co-organized by the Szembek Historical Society and its affiliated Painters’ Club, will showcase works by the following artists: Dominik Albinski, Tomasz Awdziejczyk, Tomasz Bartel, Małgorzata Bartel, Ireneusz Bieliński, Ewelina Dziewońska-Chudy, Anna Dybowska, Marcin Dybowski, Anna Forycka-Putiatycka, Jolanta Gałązka, Elżbieta Hak, Anna Jachimczyk, Kamil Kalinowski, Magdalena Kmiecik, Iwona Krzywkowska, Małgorzata Łapko, Arkadiusz Michalik, Małgorzata Omelańczuk-Pawluk, Ewa Powroźnik, Weronika Sidor, Lidia Snitko-Pleszko, and Elena Witaliewna.

Is „Painted on Glass” a unique work by Ernest Bryll?

Ernest Bryll, whose extensive and diverse body of work sought the universal significance within distinct Polish history, frequently employed a play-within-a-play convention in dramas like „Painted on Glass.” This allowed him to transcend current historical contexts, societal roles, and even spiritual dimensions of human existence. He skillfully embraced the lyrical quality of folk songs, presenting culture as a folkloric painted picture.

Polish News Culture / DEC, source: Agencja Informacyjna /29.05.2025