Silesianness is eternal

A Silesian one-act play is an incredibly powerful intention to objectively show others what Silesianness encompasses, where it ends and begins, that it is eternal, that it has neither beginning nor end – wrote Prof. Zbigniew Kadłubek in the foreword to the collection of Silesian one-act plays “Jak baba z babom”.

“Silesian one-act plays are acts of the Silesian language and at the same time proofs of Silesian ontology; proofs of Silesian emotions (those cried out, those waiting for tears, joy, euphoria, the relationship of Silesianness with the world in all its transformations – the world of old and today). These one-act plays of ours are an overactivity of dialogue – they reach far out to various existences and whispers of galaxies” – adds Prof. Kadłubek.

These Silesian emotions were very visible among the 32 works submitted to this year’s competition. The winner was Wojciech Szwiec, an author who has participated in the competition for many years, with his one-act play “Cudów nima”. It is a crime story about the theft of a valuable 16th-century figurine from a church, which paints an interesting social portrait of the fictional town of Bożydarowice.

Second place went to Joanna Sodzawiczny, who also participated in several previous editions of the competition. “Cera, matka, babcia, oma” is a chat among four women. But these are not easy conversations – in the background there is domestic violence, marital infidelity, alcoholism.

Third place went to debutant Krzysztof Wacławiec for his work “Poetka”. This one-act play proves that serious discussions about poetry and philosophy can be conducted in the Silesian language. That it is a language that can be used in all spheres.

The jury, consisting of: Zbigniew Kadłubek, professor at the University of Silesia, essayist and writer; Mirosław Neinert, director of Teatr Korez, and Waldemar Szymczyk from Imago Public Relations agency, also awarded seven distinctions:

– Konstanty Faber for “Elegija ŏ ślōnskiyj fiśniyntyj”,

– Bożena Kaczmarczyk-Gwóźdź “Miyndzy niebym a ziymią, czyli rozprawki na dachu Jorgowego gołymbnika”,

– Wanda Kędzielska “Gerdzikowe spominki – życiorys węglem pisany”,

– Krzysztof Kokot “Keta DNA”,

– Kornel Sadowski “Hekser”,

– Irek Widera “Summa”,

– Marcin Woźniak “Ziyńć na piyńć”.

The competition finale took place on December 15 at Teatr Korez. As always, the audience was numerous. The three winning one-act plays, read by Silesian actors and directed by Mirosław Neinert, were repeatedly interrupted by bursts of laughter and applause.

The book “Jak baba z babom” featuring the 10 best works from 2022 also had its premiere.

The organizers of the “Jednoaktówki po śląsku” competition are Imago Public Relations and Katowice Miasto Ogrodów. Media patronage over the event was provided by “Gazeta Wyborcza”.

photo:

winners of the “Jednoaktówki po śląsku” competition during the awards gala