The Polish Play

Source: The List (Issue 601)
Date: 24 April 2008
Written by: Sarah Redhead

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Craigellachie Village Hall, Craigellachie, Aberdeenshire, Wed 30 Apr, then touring

NEW WORK

The issue of immigration becomes more controversial each day, and everyone has an opinion. We regularly hear what the politicians and the papers think, but we rarely hear anything from the perspective of the migrants themselves.

One such story is at the heart of the new play from Farnham Maltings, which is currently touring village halls across the UK. Michael Strobel and Agniesczka Korzuszek star in the story of a Polish woman who comes to Britain to work as an au pair, accompanied by her ageing father. Strobel explains that the play was devised especially for village halls. ‘It has been said that village communities carry the lifeblood of the nation. This piece explores what it means to be a visitor to that.’

The play was inspired by a restaurant, where all the staff appeared to be migrants, and Strobel is confident that it will cause debate among audiences. ‘Once the play is finished, it is common for people to remain, talking. It is thought-provoking, though in a very subtle way.’ Gaining positive responses from audiences so far, Strobel is full of praise for director Gavin Stride’s work. He says, ‘It’s the most original, brave and innovative weaving of cultures.’ With Korzuszek providing a rare Polish perspective, it may shine light on the other side of this hot topic.

More: Agniesczka Korzuszek, Farnham Maltings, Gavin Stride, Michael Strobel, New Work, The Polish Play, Previews (Theatre)