"Madame" is a story of a teacher of French in one of the Polish high schools in the 1960s. Times are taugh in Poland then, in times of communism people cannot travel anywhere, their moves are restricted, so are the things they believe and feel. Gloomy times, hard ones too.
People wanted to study foreign languages thinking it could be their out to the outer world, but were left with nothing once the state considered them dangerous or something of the sort. Madame is a person like from another planet for the boys and girls from school she teaches. She speaks French beautifully, wears latest fashions, high-heeled shoes, she seems almost unreal. Everyone falls instantly in love with her, with the image of her in their minds, but one of the boys is also particularly gifted with French. A virtual romance begins (or doesn't it?) and the state, history and politics are all behind it.
The absurdities of the communist times in Poland are very well portayed in the play. Scummy militia men, stupid guidelines of what can and cannot be shown publicly, ridiculous galas to commemorate comrade Stalin and the communist heroes. It all was, and was very real at the time. Today audiences laugh, especially those who cannot remember those times portayed, for other it is laughter through tears.
Acting is brilliant there. Particularly Madame and the funny militia man, who is ridiculously stupid and proud of it. But what matters most is the "word" here. Libera writes his lines were cautiously, every word is in the play for a reason. No spare parts. This is what I really like about theatre - it is about the word in its purest form. And it counts.
"Madame" is performed on a small stage in Teatr na Woli which make this play a very intimate and gentle exhibition of emotions. Recommended!
Rating: ****1/2
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Antoni Libera
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