This production, drawing inspiration from the podcast Śledztwo Pisma (Investigation of the Writings) by Mirosław Wlekły, explores the manipulative and psychologically abusive relationship of a couple, Agata and Jan, who evade accountability for their actions over many years.
The director explained that the subject of psychological violence was now going through a stage in public discourse similar to that which sexual violence did a generation ago.
During discussions in rehearsals, the producers realized that, for instance the comments and discussions on the subject under the podcast episodes, resembled debates about sexual violence from 20 years ago – placing the blame on the victim – with initial reactions along the lines of, "Don't wear such a short skirt, you're asking for it."
The play, which premieres on Saturday, delves into a topic that has been gaining more attention in the public discourse over the past decade, particularly in light of increasingly visible workplace mobbing and the #MeToo movement.
Szyngiera emphasized that the storyline served primarily as a means to address these serious issues, reflecting societal challenges in recognizing and addressing psychological abuse.
In addition to workplace issues, the play shines a spotlight on home life.
Szyngiera noted that the main characters of her play, a married couple, excel at living vicariously through the lives of others.
They function well using manipulations and adopting false identities, a method that works perfectly for them, though rather less so for the victims whose lives they intrude upon.
Szyngiera explained that she had originally wanted to name her play "Playing the King of Silence," like a report by her regular collaborator Mirek Wlekły (Zabawa w Króla Ciszy), which inspired the podcast and later the play's script.
Due to many doubts about this title, it had to be changed, however. She noted that the title Method for the Heart relates to several themes in the play.
The method reflects the main characters' approach, involving individuals with "sick hearts," and it also plays on the style of various TV shows and popular entertainment forms.
In developing the play, Szyngiera collaborated with criminal psychologist Daniel Boduszek to authentically depict the manipulation tactics used by the main characters.
The narrative also critiques the lack of psychoeducation among the public, suggesting a societal need to better educate individuals on relationship dynamics and personal protection against exploitation.
Szyngiera belongs to the current generation of Poland's young and already accomplished theater directors. She is best known for the critically acclaimed musical 1989, which dealt with the process of Poland's social and political transformation in the time of the title.
(rt/gs)
Source: PAP