"We are witnessing the launch of a new Polish star in the world of composition. The only others to start with such bravado were Krzysztof Penderecki and Paweł Mykietyn", wrote Andrzej Chłopecki about Aleksander Nowak. Tomasz Cyz about Agata Zubel: "…when she first stepped on stage, audiences knew this was one of the greatest talents of Polish vocalism… And when it became obvious she not only could sing/express anything but also wrote music, there was no question that this was one of the greatest talents in Polish contemporary music as such". The two greatest composers of the young generation and one of the most talented theatre directors – Maja Kleczewska – have produced a very spectacular opera evening, perfectly directed, subtle, and unusually sensual. Sudden Rain is about a relationship and mutual lack of understanding. In Between, an opera without a libretto, some themes from Sudden Rain are processed in an abstract way, mainly through dancers’ movements. However, the themes and issues remain the same. "This is the result of a search for something betweenopera, dance, and theatre", as Kleczewska explains.

"The director was also able to bring out what lies under the surface of the words in Sudden Rain: the inability to communicate, or even personality disorders". [Jacek Marczyński, Rzeczpospolita]

Poster for the production, designed by Adam Żebrowski
Photo: Bartłomiej Sowa

TERYTORIA (TERRITORIES). A series for the Chamber Hall. Presentation of 20th ans 21st century works of opera and ballet which are almost absent from Polish theatres. Modern, sophisticated, contemporary, exploring extreme, sometimes ultimate emotional states, they are usually inspired by great works of literature, while their music does not let one easily forget itself.

TERYTORIA (TERRITORIES) is an attempt to seek new aesthetic qualities and forms of expression, to delineate innovatory veins, to release unknown visions and associations. To collaborate on the pieces, Polish National Opera invites the most interesting contemporary musical, theatrical and visual artists.