Modjeska Prizes 2011 for Anna Dymna and Marian Dziedziel

This is it, our anniversary year. Forty years ago, actor Leonidas Dudarew-Ossetyński (1910-1989, Club president in 1971-1977)had a brilliant idea... This internationally known drama teacher, writer, director and actor, invited to join him in the establishment of the new cultural institution the most prominent Polish emigrants living in California at that time. His purpose is still our purpose:

a) To promote amongst its members the knowledge of Polish heritage and culture.
b) To organize public performances, concerts, lectures and exhibits with the purpose of acquainting the general public with the culture and art of Poland.
c) To organize exhibits, lectures, concerts and gatherings having as their purpose the means for Polish artists to showcase their talents.
d) To use all the Club’s present and future means to spread the Club’s sphere of influence and further the foregoing purposes or incidental thereto.

In 2010, in order to commemorate its patron, the famous Polish actress Helena Modrzejewska (Modjeska) and honor the achievements of distinguished Polish actors, the Modjeska Club established an Annual Modjeska Prize awarded to recognize the contributions of actors to Polish culture. The first Modjeska Prize was awarded in October 2010 to eminent actor Jan Nowicki (as depicted here). The second Modjeska Prize will be divided between Anna Dymna and Marian Dziędziel. Ms. Dymna will receive her Modjeska Award at a later date.

The 2011 Modjeska Prizes will be awarded during our Awards Night on Saturday, October 15, 2011, at 7:30 p.m. at a private residence of Helena and Stanley Kolodziey in Beverly Hills. Our members who received invitations should RSVP by October 12 to Krystyna Bartkowski, Secretary.

MARIAN DZIĘDZIEL

Born in Silesia in 1947, MARIAN DZIĘDZIEL is a Polish film and theatre actor with a distinguished career both on the stage and on the screen. He graduated in 1969 from the Theater School in Krakow and has been a member of the prestigious Słowacki Theatre in Krakow since 1969. He has also starred in more than 70 films including The Dark House (2009), The Pianist (2002), My Nikifor (2004), The Collector (2005), and films by major film directors, Kazimierz Kutz and Janusz Kidawa. At the Polish Film Festival in Gdynia in 2004, he was awarded Best Actor Award for his role in The Wedding. In 2011 he received the Best Actor in Supporting Role Award for his role in The Mole. For his performance in The Wedding he was also awarded Eagle (Orzel) Polish Film Award ‐ Best Actor Award and the Audience Award. The guest of the 2012 Polish Film Festival of Los Angeles, Dziędziel will attend the screenings of The Dark House on October 14 at 9:00 p.m., presented by the Modjeska Club, and of The Mole on October 15 at 5:00 p.m.

ANNA DYMNA

Born in 1951 in Poland, Dymna is a film, television and theater actress who studied acting at the celebrated Theater School of Kraków and started her illustrious career while still a student, performing for the Julius Słowacki Theater in 1969. She joined the National Helena Modrzejewska Old Theatre in Kraków immediately after her graduation in 1973 and has performed on its stage since then.

Like Modrzejewska, recognized for her talent and beauty, Dymna starred in major plays from the classical repertoire and in numerous films and television series, appearing in over 250 roles to a great critical acclaim. In 2002, she established a Cracow Poetry Salon presenting readings by the most celebrated poets and actors and recognized as one of the most interesting cultural activities in the region.

Dedicated to charity work, in 2003 Dymna established her charity foundation Mimo Wszystko (“Against the Odds”) to provide services to the disabled. She is a recipient of numerous awards for her artistic achievements including the Golden Mask (1996, 1999, 2000), the Golden Screen (1984), and the Golden Lions (1994). In 2004, she received the Officer’s Cross of the Order of Polonia Restituta and The Order of the Smile from disabled children. At the 2012 Polish Film Festival she appears in Dolina Issy (The Issa Valley) based on Czesław Miłosz’s novel of the same title. This screening celebrates the 2011 Miłosz Year.

____________________________________________________

MODJESKA CLUB EVENTS OF THE 40TH ANNIVERSARY SEASON

October 15, 2011 - Modjeska Prize Awards Night with Marian Dziedziel and representatives of Los Angeles area politicians.

October 24, 2011 - Adam Michnik, Editor-in-chief of Gazeta Wyborcza and Anna Kostrzewska, singer. The interview with Michnik will be conducted by Dr. Bohdan Oppenheim.

November 19, 2011 - Gorecki Concert "Songs of Stones" - with Jacaranda Music on the Edge, Santa Monica (the concert is co-sponsored by the Consulate General of the Republic of Poland and the Modjeska Club).

TBA, December, 2011 - Christmas Party, joint event with the Polish University Club of Los Angeles, Maxwell House, Pasadena

January 2012 - "Pastoralki" by Bogdan Kuszta, directed by Maria Pilatowicz

February 2012 - "40th Anniversary Ball" - celebrating our achievements with awards and honors from the Polish government and representatives of local, state, and federal government agencies.

Other programs, with dates to be announced include presentations by Marek Probosz, Beata Pozniak, Exhibit of Alina Szapocznikow at the Hammer Museum, and more.