Capital cravings

The premiere of Chekhov's Three Sisters, as directed by Natasha Parry Brook, is planned for December 3 at Polonia Theater. The production marks the culmination of Krystyna Janda's long struggle to establish a large independent stage in Poland.

While planning the theater, Krystyna Janda dreamed of a Chekhov festival featuring productions from all over the world, including the American musical, the Chinese opera, and other productions from Korea and Germany. She also wanted to stage her own Chekhov production. Natasha Parry Brook, who is married to influential British theatrical producer and director Peter Brook, will make her directorial debut at the Polonia. Having played all of Chekhov's vital female roles, she seemed the right person to direct the production. The production's cast, which includes Magdalena Cielecka, Agata Buzek, Maria Seweryn, Karolina Gruszka, Piotr Adamczyk and Rafał Mohr, speaks for itself.

December 3, therefore, will be one of this year's most important cultural events in Warsaw. A lucky few will get a peek at the performance earlier - institutions which take part in the "Seat for zł.500" program will see the play on December 2. Sponsors are important for the independent theater, which is run by a foundation, and its managers Krystyna Janda and Roman Osadnik are looking for support.

"We are convinced that thanks to our donors' help, our theater will have a chance to become the first private drama theater in Poland, a theater operating in agreement with European norms, which will provide its audience with unforgettable artistic impressions," says Osadnik.