American audiences are going to have the chance to experience the work of the great Polish composer Ignacy Jan Paderewski. From November 28 to December 2, 2018 American artists will create seven musicals inspired by the life and work of the Polish composer.
The 100th anniversary of Poland regaining its independence was the inspiration for the Adam Mickiewicz Institute’s contest for a musical inspired by the work of Ignacy Jan Paderewski the “Paderewski Musical” project. Paderewski was a Polish pianist and composer, politician, the first prime minister of the Second Polish Republic and a spokesman for Polish independence. He was adored by audiences around the world and his musical fame opened access to diplomacy and the media.
The idea behind the competition is to create interest in Paderewski from American artists. Paderewski had close contact with the American President Thomas Woodrow Wilson, who influenced the creation of the peace program and was especially important for Poland, the 13th point providing for the creation of an independent Polish state after the end of World War I.
Single-act plays will take place at major culture and performative arts centers, such as the Contemporary Arts Center in New Orleans, the Los Angeles Theater Center (LATC) and Geffen Playhouse, Los Angeles, the Tricklock Theater in Albuquerque, New Mexico and the New York University Institute of Performing Arts.
The Schedule of the Shows:
1.”Three Paderewskis” – 1 December, TBD, Los Angeles
2. “13th Point” – 3 December, Geffen Playhouse, Los Angeles
3. “Paderewski in America” – 3 December, Geffen Playhouse, Los Angeles
4. “Paderewski! Paderewski! Paderewski!” – 4 December, Tricklock Laboratory Theatre, Albuquerque, (New Mexico)
5. “Blacksmith” – 6 December, Public Arts Theater, New York