Black Shakespeare

A story about love, jealousy, rebellion, and most importantly – about the theatre changing the world

Musical

80-120 PLN

Premiere:

2023-03-04

Duration:

130 minutes (with 1 intermission)

Direction:

Jacek Mikołajczyk

Author:

Jacek Mikołajczyk

Music:

Tomasz Filipczak

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Description

The musical about Ira Aldridge – the first great black actor known around the world. It takes place in the middle of the 19th century, in an era of shuddering authoritarian governments in Europe and roaring revolutionary and national liberation movements. All it takes is a spark to lead to an explosion all around Europe. Will Ira Aldridge light that spark by warming audiences with his great Shakespearean roles? Are his performances part of a conspiracy? Can Shakespeare and theatre change the world? And can the world revolution begin in the industrial city of Łódź? The musical combines the features of a historical and political thriller, crime story and heroic epos, it is a story about love, jealousy, rebellion, and most importantly – about theatre and actors.

Information

Duration:

130 minutes (with 1 intermission)

Direction:

Jacek Mikołajczyk

Original title:

Czarny Szekspir

Author:

Jacek Mikołajczyk

Premiere:

2023-03-04

Music:

Tomasz Filipczak

Age category:

For viewers aged 12 and over

Photo session and cast photos:

Krzysztof Bieliński

Poster session:

Michał Heller

Logo:

Dawid Ryski

Facilities

Audio description on request

Induction loop in the audience

Subtitles on request

Media partners

Partners

Music

Trailers

Reviews

Kinga Senczyk

Popkulturowcy.pl

“Black Shakespeare” is another great original production of the Syrena Theatre. The musical tells a little known story from the history of European theatre, and about the revolutionary potential of this art form. Despite the light musical form, the theatre wants to also address difficult topics. And it turns out that it works perfectly. 8/10

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Rafał Turowski

Chillizet

Excellent libretto, several obvious hits and splendid acting of part of the entire cast, starting with Mikołaj Woubishet in the titular role. I’d like to really appreciate the 14th hero of the show – the costumes.

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Krzysztof Korwin-Piotrowski

orfeo.com.pl

It’s a play about a crisis of values and a fight against injustice, presented in a striking form which uses elements of musical, vaudeville, cabaret and dramatic theatre and crime story.

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Jakub Panek

Wirtualna Polska

Admirably directed show with good choreography and beautiful costumes from the period and a smart stage design. The most interesting roles are those created by Anna Terpiłowska (Jenny Lind), Marta Burdynowicz (Emma Shelley) and Przemysław Glapiński (Jago).

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Jacek Marczyński

„Rzeczpospolita"

The play is centered on the expressive role of Mikołaj Woubishet. Thanks to his Etopian roots he is able to breath life to the figure of Ira Aldridge, but most importantly adds an important element. His character is an “other” who wishes to exist in a world full of prejudice.

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Malwina Kiepiel, Magda Kuydowicz

III Program Polskiego Radia

A very well done and captivating story. Among the actors, those who stand out are Marta Burdynowicz in an excellent role of a revolutionary leader – what voice she has, what sound and power! – and Przemysław Glapiński in the role of the antagonist.

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Marek Zajdler

Naszteatr.pl

The costumes! They are so rich, so beautiful, but also so theatrical. Congratulations to Katarzyna Adamczyk, and together with the great choreography by Jarosław Stańko and Katarzyna Zielonka and the measured set design by Grzegorz Policiński, they create an unforgettable visual effect. Hats off.

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Krzysztof Stopczyk

Okiem Obserwatora

Although the libretto is based on facts, it’s not a boring CV. It’s a full-blooded musical, astonishing with its colorful costumes, perfect choreography and light. And since this is complemented by excellent music and text, what we get is a recipe for yet another success for the Syrena Theatre.

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Agnieszka Kobroń

Afiszteatralny.pl

The play is full of twists, colorful costumes and imaginative set design. The result is a coherent and funny play, focused on the actors from the tightly-knit cast.

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Zuzanna Styczeń

Dziennik Teatralny

The actors deserve applause. It was a wonder to witness their synchronized choreography and vocal talent. They formed a team who worked on their success together. Once again, Przemysław Glapiński amazed me with his vocal performance and acting, I discovered Marta Burdynowicz, and Jacek Pluta was spectacular as usual.

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Barbara Pitak-Piaskowska

Nowa Siła Krytyczna

Inspired by the story of a talented black actors, breaking down stereotypes, the musical transforms into a narrative about the meaning of revolution, determination, and the power brought to people by the need for change. It is finally a testament to the power of theatre.

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Profil na Instagramie

The main character is played by Mikołaj Woubishet. Will Ira Aldridge start a revolution both in the world of theatre and politics? You’ll learn the answer if you see “Black Shakespeare”, and the finale will certainly surprise you! The antagonist also demands attention. This fantastic role is played by Przemysław Glapiński!

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Beata Joanna Przedpełska

Tygodnik Polski

It’s a very successful, colourful play with lots of dancing and singing, with clever set design and striking costumes. It demonstrates that everything is possible and acceptable in life and in theatre.