"Demonism of Zakopane (variétés)"

A performance based on S. I. Witkiewicz's article from October 8, 1919, dedicated to Tymon Niesiołowski and published in "Echo Tatrzańskie". Premiered on January 1, 2016 at Scena Atanazego Bazakbala. Cast: Dorota Ficoń, Marek Wrona, Krzysztof Wnuk. Witkacy's text explores the peculiar demonism of Zakopane, called the "navel of the world"—a place that creates a specific breed of artists and fosters art and artistic experience of every moment, yet he also calls it the "appendix" of the Polish organism. The performance asks: what happens to an artist enchanted by this city's atmosphere and Tatra wilderness? What is "zakopiańskość"? Drawing from a critical article written nearly a century ago, the production winks at contemporary popular culture trends while warning against misguided understanding of Zakopane's demonism. Witkiewicz's words echo throughout: "It is possible that living in this enchanted land, we are sliding into the abyss" and "But it is hellishly pleasant in its torment". The finale: "Zakopane will endure". Creative team: Scenario, scenography, costumes, and direction—Andrzej St. Dziuk; Music arrangement—Włodzimierz Kiniorski; Choreography—Anita Podkowa; Sound design—Natalia Sosna; Lighting design—Kalamarapaxa; Original music—Jerzy Chruściński.