Pan Tadeusz, Superstar!
PR dla Zagranicy
Nick Hodge
12.11.2012 12:09
A rock opera version of Poland's most celebrated literary work was given a special performance to mark Independence Day on Sunday.
Sunday's performance of Pan Tadeusz, the rock opera:photo - PAP/ Tomasz Waszczuk
Pan Tadeusz (Master Tadeusz), the original version of which was penned by nineteenth century bard Adam Mickiewicz, was performed in its new guise at the Philharmonic Hall in Olsztyn, north east Poland.
The music for the rock opera was composed by Andrzej Lewicki, and the on-stage antics were delivered by the Zgoda folk dance group, which represents the Association of Poles in Lithuania.
Mickiewicz's original nineteenth century poem was written in exile in Paris, and generations of Poles have learnt to recite verses from the classic work by heart.
The plot is set during the Napoleonic era, when hopes of Poland's rebirth inspired thousands of Poles to fight under Bonaparte's banner (Poland was partitioned in the late 18th century by Russia, Prussia and Austria).
The action focuses on a feud between two noble families, and a romance between young squire Master Tadeusz and the innocent lady Zosia. (nh)