The Space of an Image: “March ‘68” (PL/EN)
27.06.2024 - 21:00 / Galicia Jewish Museum, ul. Dajwór 18Hania is studying at the National Higher School of Theatre in Warsaw. One day, she attends the theatrical premiere of “Dziady” [“Forefathers’ Eve”] by Adam Mickiewicz, a work that expresses deep patriotic feelings and depicts the Polish nation’s suffering in captivity and their struggle against invaders. The government at the time believed that the staging of “Dziady” was an allusion to its rule and could instigate an uprising. At the premiere, Hania meets Janek, a student at the Technical University. Their meeting is the beginning of a great love. The carefree and lovey-dovey couple is completely uninterested in politics, but that doesn’t stop it from intruding into their lives in increasingly brutal ways.
Persecution of citizens of Jewish origin increases with the uncleasing of the so-called “anti-Zionist” campaign. Both Hania’s father, an excellent doctor, and her mother lose their jobs and are among those affected by the antisemitic purges. With no money and no prospects for the future, Hania’s family decides to emigrate, but she does not want to leave. The wheels of history turn rapidly: Students in Warsaw protest in defense of “Dziady”, which has been removed from the stage for political reasons. The protests culminate in a rally at the university and its brutal pacification. Hania and Janek take part in it, paying a very high price. They are beaten up, arrested, interrogated and expelled from their universities – a harsh lesson in civic maturity for both of them.
