Polish Bethlehem: Mazowsze Folk Song and Dance Ensemble

After a show by Lucjan Rydel of the same title

9 December 2019 Monday 19:00 Moniuszko Auditorium

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In 2018 – the year of two milestone jubilees: 100 since Poland recovered its independence and 70 years since the ensemble's foundation – Mazowsze debuted an extraordinary performance based on Lucjan Rydel's show, Betlejem Polskie (Polish Bethlehem). This large-scale production features over 150 performers: actors, solo singers, ballet dancers, a chorus, and an orchestra.

The action of Rydel's show unfolds in three time frames simultaneously: contemporary Poland, Poland of the past, and the Biblical times. It is set in Polish landscapes and historical reality – it revives the past. Jesus is born during Polish winter, Bethlehem is located in Poland, perhaps somewhere in Małopolska, perhaps in Kaszuby, Herod is not only the ruler of ancient Palestine, but a tyrant who terrorizes Poland, pushing Russification. Finally, the Three Wise Men are three Polish kings: Casimir III the Great, Władysław Jagiełło, and Jan III Sobieski.

The present production's creators have managed to strike a balance between sacred and universal elements, and – as theatre tradition has it – went slightly further than the original show, wishing to make a reference to the 100th anniversary of the recovery of Polish independence in 2018 as well as other important historical events. As a consequence, they take the audience back in Polish history to the banishments to Siberia and the Warsaw Uprising of 1944.

In paying tribute to the most glorious moments in Polish history, Mazowsze created a patriotic fresco of the nation's past as well as a colourful show full of dance, singing and humour. Featuring choruses of Angels and the Holy Family, Polish Bethlehem resounds with the most beautiful Christmas songs and carols stunningly performed by Mazowsze.