Konrad Imiela for 'Rzeczpospolita': The Last Night of the President of Warsaw
Konrad Imiela discusses his artistic project centered around the legendary Warsaw hero Stefan Starzyński, emphasizing a personal perspective rather than a political or architectural one.
Konrad Imiela, a resident of Wrocław, takes on the challenge of telling the story of Stefan Starzyński, the legendary president of Warsaw, through a theatrical production. Imiela's decision to tell this story stems from his courage to delve into a historical narrative that is not as personally significant to him, allowing for a fresh interpretation of Starzyński's life. He intends to focus more on the human aspect rather than political or architectural achievements, offering a perspective that may resonate differently with the audience.
In his reflections, Imiela also highlights the contemporary challenges in theatre, particularly within Poland, where there have been few attempts to confront complex historical figures through musicals. He indicates a struggle with how such figures are portrayed, and acknowledges that while musicals often tackle difficult themes, they have yet to successfully engage with Polish historical personalities.
Looking ahead, Imiela shares his plans to produce a musical about Tadeusz Kościuszko at the Musical Theatre Capitol, indicating a continued commitment to explore significant historical characters in a contemporary setting. His initiative suggests a growing interest in cultural narratives that engage with Poland's historical figures, hoping to achieve both artistic success and a meaningful connection to the past.