Distinguished Polish Director To Lead UB Student Production

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- Students in the UB Department of Theatre and Dance this semester are getting the chance to learn from and work with one of Poland's most distinguished directors, Jan Maciejowski, who is currently in-residence at UB from the Academy of Drama in Kraków.

As part of his residency, Maciejowski is directing the student production of Slowomir Mrozek's "Tango," which will open Nov. 11 -- Polish Independence Day -- in the Drama Theatre of the Center for the Arts on the North Campus.

The witty play, which will be performed in English, is set in Poland during communist times and its plot revolves around the idea of "rebelling against rebellion." Arthur, a man in his 20s, has grown up in a household where everything is permitted, except following the rules. His parents, one of whom is an artist, have created and sustained a world that goes against every convention of society and believe that seeking pleasure should be their principal goal in life. When Arthur decides to rebel against his parents and re-establish conventional manners, the story line twists and turns, as other family members take sides, creating ridiculously humorous situations while revealing universal themes and questions.

"Tango," considered Mrozek's best play, demonstrates Polish artists' use of comedy, parody and irony via political commentary that was developed during various periods when freedom of speech and expression were severely circumscribed in Poland by foreign-imposed absolutism and authoritarianism.

Maciejowski's residency, part of an international exchange program being explored by the theatre and dance department, is supported by Dean Kerry Grant of the College of Arts and Sciences and the Polish Arts Club of Buffalo. The exchange began two seasons ago when Gerald Finnegan, assistant professor of theatre and dance, directed "Our Town" at the Academy of Drama in Kraków.

The exchange program is designed to enrich the learning of students as they are exposed to the high level of skill offered by the guest director, according to Stephen Henderson, chair of the theatre and dance department.

"We are very excited and fortunate to have a director of the stature of Mr. Maciejowski in residence here," said Henderson. "This particular play is very challenging and he has received much acclaim for productions he directed overseas and here in the U.S."

Henderson added that students also have benefited from the expertise of Maciejowski's wife, Barbara, a skilled set designer and make-up artist, who has offered workshops in make-up artistry in the department.

Maciejowski, who has been director and professor of the Academy of Drama in Kraków for 25 years, was a member of the Polish underground during World War II when he took part in the Warsaw Uprising of 1944 and became a German prisoner of war. Liberated by the American Army in 1946, he returned to Poland, graduated from the Poland National School of Dramatic Arts in 1953 and embarked on an illustrious career, during which he has produced plays on all of Poland's leading stages and in countries worldwide.

He has directed more than 200 premieres in dramatic theaters, opera houses and on television. Maciejowski, who is well-known for his Shakespearean productions, also is highly regarded for his production of "Tango," which was recognized as the best production at the International Festival of Experimental Theaters in Sarajevo and was hailed as one of the greatest events of the year when it opened in Bulgaria.

"Tango" will run from Nov. 11-14 and 18-21 at 8 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, and 2 p.m. on Sundays.

Tickets are $10 for the public and $5 for students. Tickets are available at the Center for the Arts Box Office and all Ticketmaster locations. To charge tickets, call 852-5000. For more information, call 645-ARTS.