“Poland is Not Yet Lost”

events Programme

"Jeszcze Polska... (Poland is not Yet Lost)" is an interactive, satirical, and futuristic theatrical performance that imagines a world where the State of Israel has been destroyed, leading to the return of three million Jews to Poland. The plot explores a Poland governed by Jewish leaders, including the country's president, portrayed by Maciej Stuhr (played by the real-life actor himself). Stuhr's decision to convert to Judaism inspires four million non-Jewish Poles to follow in his footsteps. In this alternate reality, the audience is invited to witness a crucial moment in Polish-Jewish history: a referendum that will decide whether to establish a new Jewish state in Poland.

Interactive Aspect:
The heart of the performance lies in its interactive nature, which turns the audience into participants rather than passive spectators. Structured as a political rally, the show encourages attendees to engage with the questions posed by the characters and challenges them to reflect on broader themes of nationalism, identity, and community. As the performance progresses, the audience is directly involved in the critical decision of whether to vote for an inclusive and egalitarian future for Poland—or for an alternative reality that echoes darker strains of historical and modern nationalist rhetoric.
This aspect of participation, where the viewers become quasi-voters and citizens within the narrative, gives "Jeszcze Polska..." a unique ability to provoke reflection. The show blurs the line between fiction and reality, pushing the audience to confront their own beliefs and biases.

Key Themes and Satire:
The performance delves into the dangers of nationalism, juxtaposing a vision of an inclusive Jewish-led Poland against the fears and prejudices embedded in traditional nationalist ideologies. It also satirizes the paranoia and xenophobia still present in Polish society regarding Jewish heritage and restitution issues. By incorporating humor and absurdity, the show disarms some of the tensions around these sensitive topics, allowing for a more open exploration of Polish-Jewish relations.
In the words of one reviewer:
"It is a challenging yet liberating experience to be part of this imagined future. The performance artfully plays with stereotypes, yet does not trivialize the complex history shared between Jews and Poles."

Performance and Artistic Vision:
"Jeszcze Polska..." is co-written, directed, and performed by two Jewish artists: Dorota Abbe, a Polish native, and Michael Rubenfeld, a Canadian with Polish-Jewish roots. Both actors play versions of themselves, further enhancing the authenticity and introspective nature of the performance. Through satire and provocation, the show encourages the audience to grapple with the long-standing tensions and misunderstandings that continue to shape Polish-Jewish relations today.
The performances of both Abbe and Rubenfeld are exceptional, as they manage to weave humor, tension, and provocation seamlessly into a cohesive and thought-provoking narrative. As one audience member noted in a review: