We have just started rehearsals of „VHS”; the play is to premiere in November

In November Powszechny Theatre in Łódź will premiere  „VHS”. The play by Marcin Bałczewski, directed by Sławomir Narloch will be presented on our Small Stage. The rehearsals have just started with Sebastian Jasnoch in the leading role. 

„VHS” was awarded in the 7th edition of „Comedywriting” – the all-Poland competition for writing a modern Polish comedy, organized by Powszechny Theatre in Łódź. The competition was settled last season. – For years I have been trying to build a clear artistic logo of Powszechny Theatre as Polish Comedy Centre, a comedy laboratory seeking for a place of comedy in the theatre. This has been a challenge which requires sensitiveness and time. I am happy that on our stages we will premiere two plays awarded in „Comedywriting” competition, „VHS” and „Green Glade” by Paweł Mossakowski – Ewa Pilawska, director of Powszechny Theatre and originator of the competition, says.

– I am glad that we take the artistic risk here in Łódź; that we create Polish Comedy Centre in the very heart of Poland; that on the theatrical map of Poland Powszechny Theatre in Łódź has been well known and recognisable thanks to International Festival of Plays Pleasant And Unpleasant as well as to our clear artistic comedy logo and our search within this often underestimated genre – Ewa Pilawska adds.

„VHS”  is a story of a man whose trials and tribulations were entangled with social, structural and economic changes which took place in Poland in the 80-ties and the 90-ties of the last century. He decides to take the bit in his hands and comes up with the idea of his own private business. For this he intends to use a video recorder that was stolen from the transport of articles sent to the West as well as pirated VHS cassettes…

- I am interested in literature „close to the man” – plays which try to present every day life of ordinary people. „VHS” is a moving story about a man who believes his time has just come. And VHS cassettes are to become his way to happiness, wealth and freedom… He travels all over the country and organizes shows of foreign films in depots and village community centers. And then he makes a great man – director Sławomir Narloch says.  

For villagers, amateur film shows are a Western wind, an ersatz for luxury like a first sip of Coke. For the protagonist it is an „American Dream” in its Polish version. – Though from our perspective the 90-ties are a distant, mythical time where the world opened up and everything seemed possible, I still have an irresistible impression that the drive for success, for making a great man, has been telling our everyday life on and on. We have been living in the reprise of the 90-ties. In Powszechny Theatre we are producing a comedy which will take us into the world of deserted gas stations, the Rambo-style movies and a Polonez car with a Christmas tree air refreshener. You feel the smell, don’t you? – the director adds.              

Marcin Bałczewski
„VHS”
Directed by Sławomir Narloch
Stage design and costumes: Maks Mac
Music: Jakub Gawlik
Light director: Karolina Gębska
Assistant to the director: Sebastian Jasnoch
Cast: Sebastian Jasnoch