Banialuka Puppet Theater is one of the oldest puppet theaters in Poland and at the same time, one of the most famous theaters in the country and the world. It was founded in 1947 by the visual artists Jerzy Zitzman and Zenobiusz Zwolski. As a part of the theater’s 75th anniversary celebrations, two amazing actors – Małgorzata Bulska and Radosław Sadowski were honored with the Gloria Artis Bronze Medal for Merit to Culture by the Minister of Culture and National Heritage on the Sunday jubilee gala. Moreover, several other decorations, such as gold, silver, and bronze medals for various achievements were awarded.
The theater is one of the oldest puppet theaters in Poland and one of the most famous not only in the country but also in the whole world. It was founded in 1947 by the visual artists Jerzy Zitzman and Zenobiusz Zwolski. The artistic pedigree of the theater determined its artistic face for many decades. Banialuka visited dozens of countries around the world, including Japan, Chile, and the United States.
There would be no today’s Banialuka without their vision of modern art theater and the ability to reconcile it with the requirements of children’s literature. Also, there would be no Banialuka without exploration in the sphere of matter and the visual language of their successors, without the panache and subtlety of stage designers and directors who creatively continue and develop the activities of the founders. Today’s Banialuka would not exist without high aspirations in directing art.
On Sunday, October 2, Banialuka celebrated its 75th anniversary. The jubilee gala brought together many notable guests, including Senator of the Republic of Poland Agnieszka Gorgoń-Komor, Chairman of the Silesian Sejmik Jan Kawulok, Mayor of the City of Bielsko-Biała Jarosław Klimaszewski, Vice-President Adam Ruśniak, President of the City Council Dorota Piegzik-Izydorczyk, councilors, directors of municipal cultural institutions, directors of puppet theaters from all over Poland.
The ceremonial evening began with the official jubilee gala during which decorations and medals were presented and greetings from the stage and congratulatory letters were read.
The President of the Republic of Poland, Andrzej Duda, awarded the state decorations with MEDALS FOR LONG SERVICE. On behalf of the President of the Republic of Poland, the decoration was performed by President Jarosław Klimaszewski.
GOLD MEDALS went to actors – Lucyna Sypniewska, Ryszard Sypniewski and Piotr Tomaszewski
The SILVER MEDAL was awarded to Bogusława Hankus – deputy administrative director
The BRONZE MEDAL was awarded to Marek Ziarko – technical manager
Then, the BRONZE MEDALS FOR MERIT TO CULTURE “GLORIA ARTIS”, awarded by the Vice-President of the Council of Ministers, the Minister of Culture and National Heritage, prof. dr hab. Piotr Gliński, two actors were decorated. On behalf of the deputy prime minister, the decoration was made by Konrad Łoś – a councilor of the Bielsko-Biała City Council. Medals were awarded to:
• Małgorzata Bulska
• Radosław Sadowski
The performances presented by the Banialuka artistst have won many top prizes and awards at the most prestigious events. This success was credited to outstanding personalities – artistic directors, directors, set designers, and musicians. An important role in the institution’s activities is played by International Puppet Theater festivals organized every two years (from May 1966).