Teatr Za Daleki 40th anniversary

The Teatr Za Daleki began its activity in November 1986. Its establishment was the result of the commitment of people who cared about creating a professional theatre stage in Ursynów. A significant role was played by Stanisław Olszewski, president of the Spółdzielnia Budowlano-Mieszkaniowa "Ursynów," Zofia Borzyszkowska, who headed the cooperative's social and educational department, and the first director of Dom Sztuki, Urszula Janowska. Zbigniew Zapasiewicz became the theatre's first artistic director, and the stage operated as a branch of the Warsaw Teatr Dramatyczny. The theatre's name referred to the transportation realities of the time. In the 1980s, Ursynów was far from the centre of Warsaw, and a bus journey could take as long as an hour. Nevertheless, the inauguration of the stage's activity drew crowds. The first performance was "Apetyt na czereśnie" by Agnieszka Osiecka, directed by Lena Szurmiej, with Olga Sawicka and Krzysztof Kolberger. In the following years, outstanding actors performed on the stage of Teatr Za Daleki, and the repertoire included both contemporary plays and classics. Among the memorable productions were "Sami ze wszystkimi" by Aleksandr Gelman, "Kochany kłamca" by Jerome Kilty, "Dusia, Ryba, Wal i Leta" by Pan Gems, "Edith i Marlene" by Eva Pataki, "Kochanek" by Harold Pinter, and "Słonimski" directed by Maciej Wojtyszko. The latter production also went down in the history of the stage because of a public reading of "List 34" – a protest by Polish intellectuals against censorship in the Polish People's Republic. The theatre's original formula did not survive the political transformations, but its history remains an important part of Ursynów's cultural heritage. The anniversary events will recall both the stage's beginnings and its artistic traditions. Anniversary programme 14 November, 7:00 p.m. – "Minetti" Jan Peszek will perform on the stage of Dom Sztuki in a monodrama based on Thomas Bernhard's play "Minetti. Portret artysty z czasów starości." The performance tells the story of an actor who, despite the passage of years, the loss of his former position and a changing world, does not give up his faith in theatre and the possibility of returning to the stage. It is a story about dignity, transience, artistic independence and hope that can endure even against circumstances. Free tickets available for collection on Friday, 6 November 2026, from 4:00 p.m. at the box office of the Kino Domu Sztuki. 21 November, 7:00 p.m. – "Mówienie wierszem Zapasiewicza" A poetic and commemorative evening devoted to Zbigniew Zapasiewicz, the first artistic director of Teatr Za Daleki. The event will feature Olga Sawicka, Jan Bończa-Szabłowski and students of the Akademia Teatralna w Warszawie. The conversation will bring listeners closer to the circumstances of the founding and activity of the Ursynów stage, as well as the way Zapasiewicz understood the interpretation of poetry. Olga Sawicka and students of the Akademia Teatralna will read selected works particularly valued by the artist. The conversation with Olga Sawicka will be led by Jan Bończa-Szabłowski. Free tickets available for collection on Friday, 13 November 2026, from 4:00 p.m. at the box office of the Kino Domu Sztuki. 28 November, 7:00 p.m. – "Podróż do Buenos Aires" The anniversary repertoire will be complemented by the monodrama "Podróż do Buenos Aires" by Amanita Muskaria, the duo of sisters Gabriela Muskała and Monika Muskała. The performance tells the story of old age, the gradual fading of memory and the disintegration of a world that had until then seemed familiar to the protagonist. The story of Walerka, presented with sensitivity and without easy effects, prompts reflection on transience, loneliness and relationships with those closest to us. The performance received critical acclaim and was presented at festivals in Poland and abroad. Free tickets available for collection on Friday, 20 November 2026, from 4:00 p.m. at the box office of the Kino Domu Sztuki. 5 December, 4:00 p.m. – "Apetyt na czereśnie" The anniversary will culminate with a return to the title that began the history of Teatr Za Daleki. "Apetyt na czereśnie" by Agnieszka Osiecka is a word-and-music story about a woman and a man who, after a divorce hearing, wait at a station for trains departing in opposite directions. They recall their life together, try to understand the reasons for their separation and wonder what the future will bring. The performance will feature Maria Niklińska and Rafał Olbrychski, with Lena Ledoff at the piano. The music was composed by Maciej Małecki, the adaptation was prepared by Anna Seniuk, and artistic supervision is provided by Przemysław Dąbrowski. The restaging of "Apetyt na czereśnie" forms a symbolic bracket of the anniversary. Forty years after the premiere that inaugurated the activity of Teatr Za Daleki, the audience will once again meet with Agnieszka Osiecka's text, which opened the history of this Ursynów stage. Free tickets available for collection on Friday, 27 November 2026, from 4:00 p.m. at the box office of the Kino Domu Sztuki. The anniversary of Teatr Za Daleki is co-financed from the budget of the Urząd Dzielnicy Ursynów m.st. Warszawy.