Gusla

This was fantastic - the staging, the actors, the costumes - and the MUSIC, wow. My only gripe is that there wasn't an English synopsis given out. Or at least, not that I could quickly see in the programme we got on the way into the venue before the lights went down. I didn't keep my programme as I had no bag and 5 more shows to see. I still really enjoyed this though, it was definitely a highlight.

Love it. 5/5 Recommended to everyone. Acting, visually and musically masterful. I recommend reading the leaflet for English speakers to get to know more context because the show is in Polish

WOW! Mind-blowing virtuosity. And I don't understand a word of Polish. 5 Stars.

Great performance by professional theatre from Poland. Five Stars. I would advise people to search for Adam Mickiewicz: Dziady to have brief idea what's that about. ..

Grzegorz Bral, the founder of the Song of the Goat Theatre and a two-time Scotsman Fringe First Award winner (2004 and 2012), once again proves he is among the most innovative directors in contemporary theatre. "Gusła" is not just an adaptation of fragments from the second and fourth parts of Adam Mickiewicz's drama "Dziady" but is, more significantly, a deeply emotional, universal tale about mourning, loss, and the pursuit of grand ideals.

The theatrical language Bral employs in presenting "Gusła" is emotionally charged and provokes introspection in the viewer. Translating Polish Romanticism onto the modern stage is no easy task, yet in Bral's hands, it becomes a genuine masterpiece. The play emerges from a ritual honoring the deceased, touching not just the hearts of Polish audiences with themes of fear, loss, and grief, but also commenting on modern-day Poland and its towering ideals.

Though the performance is in Polish, the emotions and universal themes are conveyed so potently that the language barrier seems to dissolve. Grzegorz Bral has the unique ability to transform a classic into a contemporary work of art that resonates with the hearts and souls of viewers regardless of their background.
"Gusła" is a jolting and moving theatrical experience that leaves an indelible mark on the memory of anyone fortunate enough to witness it.

★★★☆☆ Glimpses into the Underworld. Enjoyable, despite the flaws.

THE GOOD
* Atmospheric. The air was alive with ancient whispers.
* Artistic Costumes. Intricate costumes that capture the eye and imagination.
* Live Accompaniment. Piano music painting a vibrant auditory landscape.

THE NOT SO GOOD
* Lost in translation. The monologue-driven show was unexpectedly in Polish. (the warning was added later)
* Monotony. Sporadic stretches of performance lacking dynamic energy.
* Monology. Missed opportunities for storytelling through other means.

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I absolutely loved it! The costumes, singing, acting, makeup, music - everything was absolutely perfect and I am so happy that I saw it. I am Polish and my boyfriend is Scottish, so he didn't understand the words but I did explain to him beforehand Dziady Mickiewicza. That to say, both of us really enjoyed it.

So glad I saw this,despite understanding less than one word in a hundred! An extraordinary piece of musical, physical, ritual theatre, based on a classic text, as rhythmically intense as the Rite of Spring (although this is a rite of autumn), with spectacular, fantastical, swirling costumes, the likes of which are rarely seen nowadays.

If you want to know what's going on, there's a lot of background information on the Wikipedia page for Dziady by Mickiewicz, especially if you follow the bottom-most weblink and autotranslate the summary of Part 2.