Written in 1946, "The Marriage" follows the story of Henry, a young soldier who returns home from war to find his world in disarray. The play explores themes of reality versus illusion and the complexities of human relationships.
Directed by Zishan Ugurlu and translated from Polish by Louis Iribarne, the production aims to capture Gombrowicz's distinctive style. Ugurlu described Gombrowicz as "provocative, instructive, and grotesque," adding that in "The Marriage" he "combines philosophical depth with the wittiest sense of humor."
The staging is presented in partnership with the Polish Cultural Institute in New York, the Warsaw-based Adam Mickiewicz Institute, and the Jan Kochanowski Powszechny Theater in Radom.
After a 10-day run at La MaMa Theater, the production will travel to Poland for performances in Radom during the Gombrowicz Festival on October 19 and in Warsaw on October 21.
Witold Gombrowicz (1904-1969) was one of Poland's most prominent 20th-century writers. His notable works include the novels "Cosmos," "Trans-Atlantyk," and "Pornography," as well as the plays "The Marriage" and "Yvonne, Princess of Burgundy." His writings have been translated into more than 30 languages.
The year 2024 marks the 120th anniversary of Gombrowicz's birth.
(mk/jh)