One of the most important works of contemporary Polish drama follows the story of a primary school class beginning in the 1930s, tracing how its members struggle to survive – first through the horrors of World War II, then the dark years of communism, and finally the transition of the 1990s. Although they begin as a community, the class soon fragments into isolated individuals: Poles, Jews, communists, fascists, reformers, victims, and oppressors. Meanwhile, the entire history of the 20th century unfolds before our eyes through the deeply personal yet unsparing portrayals of three women and seven men.

The performance offers a stark, factual confrontation with the cruel but defining events of the last century, examining the conditions that made them possible. We do not seek forgiveness; we present the crimes as they are, without judgment. We show. We reveal. And we ask: how do people come to commit such acts? How and why does one human turn against another under the influence of confused ideologies? How does a perpetrator become a victim, and a victim a perpetrator?

This story confronts us with our own weaknesses and our need to conform, revealing how personal grievances can lead to horrific acts – even to murder. As one system replaces another, the persecutor becomes the persecuted, the victim becomes the oppressor, and vice versa. And this cycle has not ended.

The performance was created with the support of the Bethlen Gábor Fund through the Culise-Kulissza Theatre Association.

The performance is in Hungarian. English surtitles can be provided upon request (subject to prior arrangement; please contact us at secretariat@teatrunational.ro).