“Kontrabanda” satirical nativity scene (1958) – attempt to reconstruct the content

Abstract

The article concerns the satirical nativity scene by Ryszard Marek (Ryszard Wierzbowski and Marek Groński) entitled Kontrabanda. It is an attempt to recreate the scenario of a stage adaptation of the work. The premiere of the play, directed by Bogdan Baer, took place on February 14, 1958, at Teatr Nowy in Łódz. Fragments of the performance were published in the local press in Łódź (“Dziennik Łódzki” 1958, no. 28 (3483), p. 4) and in “Szpilki” (1958, no. 16 (868), pp. 4–5) and “Odgłosy” (1959, no. 15 (59), p. 11) journals. The source material also includes “Biuletyny Państwowego Teatru Nowego”, escrowed at the National Archives in Łódź. The basis of reconstruction of the performance’s details are also reviews of the play.

Satirical texts constitute particularly interesting research material. They were inspired by and in response to the socio-political situation in the country. An important aspect of the article is an extensive editorial commentary to the discussed work, which will allow to explain the incomprehensible content, resulting from the setting of the text in the reality of the socialist state.