"Rewolta": Maanam's music fuels Poznań's rebellion against authorities in new musical

A new musical, "Rewolta," at the Musical Theatre in Poznań, brings to life the 1956 Poznań Uprising, a pivotal but often overshadowed event in Polish history. The production focuses on the emotional turmoil and desperation of tens of thousands of Poznań residents who took to the streets to protest worsening living conditions. The play starkly portrays the tragic outcome: 58 random individuals lost their lives to gunfire from military and police forces.

Directed by Przemysław Kieliszewski, "Rewolta" does not aim for a precise historical reconstruction. Instead, it draws on fragments of the events, emphasizing the raw emotions of the citizens. The narrative is anchored by the fictionalized lives of two Poznań brothers. Franek, a former teacher, struggles to find work in his profession and ends up as an unskilled laborer due to his past beliefs. His younger brother, Mietek, initially embraces the new government's promises of a better world. Their differing paths place them on opposite sides during the June 1956 protests, highlighting the era's complex and often morally ambiguous landscape.

The play also features a collective character representing the "szczuny," a group of Poznań youths who, through their presence on the streets, become keen observers of human emotions and the unfolding events. They serve as narrators of the city's story, reflecting the broader societal dynamics. The production uses the iconic song "Stoję, stoję, czuję się świetnie" (I stand, I stand, I feel great) by Maanam, with lyrics by Kora and music by Marek Jackowski, to set an ironic tone. In the play, Anna Lasota, costumed as Death, sings the lyrics, foreshadowing the tragic violence to come.