info

translation by Stanisław Hebanowski

direction: Krzysztof Warlikowski
set design: Małgorzata Szczęśniak
music: Paweł Mykietyn
lighting design: Felice Ross
music adaptation: Piotr Domiński

cast: Stanisława Celińska, Małgorzata Hajewska-Krzysztofik, Magdalena Kuta, Maria Maj, Andrzej Chyra, Aleksander Bednarz/Mariusz Benoit, Lech Łotocki, Waldemar Obłoza/Janusz Chabior, Jacek Poniedziałek, Robert Więckiewicz/Redbad Klijnstra, Maciej Wojdyła/Piotr Nowak

One may write now, that after Warlikowski's staging the antique tragedy regained it's life and power. One may dwell over whether The Bacchantes make a comment on a contemporary spiritual condition? Is it a warning against reckless undergoing a fanaticism? Or is it a claim against the state corruption, as it was at the time when Eurypides was writing his magnificent piece? But that's not what is most important about Warlikowski's performance. Most striking in his Bacchantes is it's daring to touch the most gloomy secrets of existence, the courage and clarity in delving upon the soul of the divinity and compulsion forced on us by the fate and destiny.
This performance is the next step to broaden the range of theatre. Used as the instrument of recognition, in obedience of the dictations stated by sacrum, theatre regains the ability to initiate the deep intellectual dispute supported by the deepest emotions. Pity and awe lead to catharsis. Theatre and staging - to recognition.
Piotr Gruszczyński, Tygodnik Powszechny

premiered: 9 February 2001
approximate running time: 2h 20 (no intermission)