On Film: The Labirynth, Captain Pilecki, Festival...

On Friday, August 13, 2010, Modjeska Club members had a rare treat of witnessing a premiere of a brand new documentary, The Labyrinth, dedicated to a monumental artwork by a Polish artist. The premiere was a part of the International Documentary Association’s DocuWeeks 2010 Theatrical Showcase, which is an Oscar qualifying event. The well-attended screening at the Arc-Light Cinemas Hollywood was followed by a VIP Reception co-hosted by our Club, the Consulate General of the Republic of Poland in Los Angeles and ARRI Camera Inc.

The Labyrinth is an immersion into the artwork and testimony of Auschwitz survivor, Marian Kołodziej, a Polish-Catholic, who was sent to the camp on the first day it opened. After his liberation, Mr. Kołodziej went on to become a noted set and costume designer in theater and film. He did not speak about the war-time horrors until fifty years later. In the final decades of his life, Mr. Kołodziej decided to document his memories and experiences in a unique artwork – an extensive collection of large graphic pen and ink drawings, containing scenes of death and suffering, prisoner portraits, visions, dreams and nightmares.

The collection was gathered in a dedicated gallery, housed at the St. Maximilian Kolbe Franciscan Center, near Auschwitz, Poland. Mr. Kołodziej’s testimony about his experiences in the death camp attracted the attention of American film-makers who produced a moving and touching film about resilience and hope in the midst of unbelievable suffering.

Filmed on location in Poland, the film features our friend, former Polish consul, Roman Czarny, as the voice of Marian Kołodziej. The original music score was composed by Marek Żebrowski, director of Polish Music Center at USC. From a lone voice of the cello, to flowing textures and dramatic piano chords, the music is a restrained, profound, and sophisticated interpretation of the haunting art. The director/producer, Jason A. Schmidt, and producer, Ron Schmidt, S.J., are planning an expanded version of this well-received film and are grateful for support from the Polish American community. Donations may be made out to Hope Media Productions and sent to: Ron Schmidt, S.J., Hope Media Productions, 6656 Sunset Blvd. , Hollywood, CA 90028. For more information see: www.thelabyrinthdocumentary.com.

Marek Probosz as Captain Pilecki


The tragedy of Auschwitz and the suffering of Poles associated with the camp was a subject of another recent film, Death of Captain Pilecki, starring Marek Probosz and directed by Ryszard Bugajski. This astounding true story of a WWII hero, a captain in Polish underground Home Army, who decided to get arrested and shipped off to Auschwitz so he could report about the camp to the Allies and create a resistance network within. Arrested in 1940, Pilecki escaped in 1943 and the intelligence he gathered was sent off to England, only to be disregarded as exaggerated. He fought in the Warsaw Uprising and richly deserved the highest state medals awarded to him posthumously in 1995 by the government of democratic Poland. He died in 1948, after being arrested for gathering information about another atrocity, the Soviet gulags.

Probosz’s interpretation was praised by critics as being “intensely compelling” (“Death of Captain Pilecki” review of 2006). On Saturday, September 21, 2010 the National Public Radio broadcast an interview about the film with Marek Probosz as part of its most popular programs, “All Things Considered.” For those who missed it, the program is available online at the NPR Website.

The heroism and suffering of Poles during WWII were not well known outside the country's borders. It is high time for stories like that of Marian Kolodziej or Captain Witold Pilecki to be told and heard.

* * *

CALENDAR OF EVENTS - FALL 2010

We are pleased to announce that the Modjeska Club will host a meeting with Prof. Leszek Balcerowicz, a noted economist and politician, who led the transformation of Poland's economy into a modern, free-market system in the 1990s. Prof. Balcerowicz's earlier visit, planned for April 2010, was canceled due to the national mourning period after the crash of the Presidential plane near Smolensk, Russia.

Our next event is a free concert celebrating Chopin's 200th birth anniversary, with two wonderful young musicians from New York, Marta Wryk, soprano and Adam Kosmieja, piano.

October 10, 6:00 p.m.: An Evening of Song - with Marta Wryk, Soprano, and Adam Kosmieja, Piano (both from New York), at the South Pasadena Library Community Room, South Pasadena. Program includes songs and piano music by Antonin Dvorak and Fryderyk Chopin.

October 16, 2010, 6:00 p.m.: Meeting with Prof. Leszek Balcerowicz, economist and politician who reformed Polish economy in the 1990s, hosted by the Consulate General of the Republic of Poland

October 17, 2010 6:00 p.m.: Modjeska Club Honors Jan Nowicki, award ceremony and reception, event associated with the Polish Film Festival in Los Angeles

November 21, 2010, 6:00 p.m. Kabaret Starszych Panow performed by our friends, Polish Club from Riverside, at the Petroleum Club of Long Beach. Event open to our guests and friends.

December 11, 6:00 p.m.: Christmas Party (Modjeska Club Members Exclusive), private residence.

December 31, 2010, 8:00 p.m.: Sylwester - New Year's Eve Party (Modjeska Club Members Exclusive)

January 22, 2011, 6:00 p.m.: Travel to Tibet by Maria and Edward Pilatowicz, screening of film and discussion at South Pasadena Public Library Community Auditorium.


* * *

EVENTS OF OUR FRIENDS - FALL 2010

September 24-28, 2010: 100 Voices: A Journey Home, full-length documentary screening at the AMC Century 15, 10250 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90067. Tickets to screenings:
Saturday, September 25, 2010, Noon, 2:50 PM
Sunday, September 26, 2010, Noon, 9:30 PM
Monday, September 27, 2010, Noon, 7:00 PM
Tuesday, September 28, 2010, Noon, 7:00 PM

"100 Voices: A Journey Home” is a compelling and moving musical documentary that uniquely tells the history of Jewish culture in Poland. It highlights the current resurgence of Jewish culture through the personal reflections and musical selections of a group of cantors and acclaimed composer Charles Fox (“Killing Me Softly”, “I Got A Name” and many more) who made an important historical mission to the birthplace of Cantorial music. The documentary will give generations the opportunity to learn about and re-embrace the Jewish culture that produced one of the most artistic and educated societies that once flourished in Europe. Above all, the Program will celebrate the resilience and the power of Jewish life, while telling the story of two peoples who shared intertwined cultures.

October 14-21, 2010: The 11&1/2 Polish Film Festival Los Angeles is around the corner, and the festival organizers look forward to celebrating with you the achievements of Polish filmmakers from October 14 to 21, 2010. The exact program will be posted on the Festival's website, Festival 11 1/2.

At the Gala Opening at the Laemmle's Sunset 5 on October 14th the Festival will present LITTLE ROSE (Rozyczka) by Jan Kidawa-Blonski. The Gala Opening is by invitation only to supporters of the Festival [becoming a supporter is easy with a minimum donation of $30.00 before October 1, 2010 ($15.00 without reception)]. VIP seats are available for a minimum donation of $60.00. Make your tax-deductible financial contributions to: Polish American Film Society and mail your checks to 7726 Ethel Ave., North Hollywood, CA 91605, or go on line to http://www.polishfilmla.org and make a donation through PayPal.

For the eleventh and half time anniversary the Festival will present the most recent achievements of Polish cinema, among others: ANOTHER MAN (Nie ten czlowiek) by Pawel Wendorff, BABY PROJECT (Projekt dziecko) by Adam Dobrzycki, THE CHRISTENING (Chrzest) by Marcin Wrona, DECALOGUE 89+ (Dekalog 89+) vol. 1 & 2, CASE UNKNOWN (Enen) by Feliks Falk, JANOSIK. THE TRUE STORY (Janosik. Prawdziwa historia) by Kasia Adamik & Agnieszka Holland, MALL GIRLS (Galerianki) by Katarzyna Roslaniec, MOTHER TERESA OF CATS (Matka Teresa od kotow) by Pawel Sala, PIGGIES (Swinki) by Robert Glinski.

In the segment of movies made by Polish filmmakers abroad the Festival will present PLAYER by Alina Szpak. To celebrate the 600-year anniversary of Grunwald Battle there will be a screening of THE TEUTONIC KNIGHTS (Krzyzacy) by Aleksander Ford. The documentaries will include THE LABYRINTH (Labirynt) by Jason A. Schmidt, IRENA SENDLER-IN THE NAME OF THEIR MOTHERS by Mary Skinner, TOURNEE by Andrzej Mankowski, BEATS OF FREEDOM by Wojciech Slota & Leszek Gnoinski. In the animation category the program will feature a set of films prepared by Balbina Bruszewska produced by Se-Ma-For Production Company.

Domoslawski & Kapuscinski at the Ruskin

After starting the 2010-2011 season with Stefan Wenta's ballet for the Luminario Ballet of Los Angeles (August 6) and a documentary about Marian Kolodziej at the ArcLight Cinemas-Hollywood (August 13, a report will follow), the Modjeska Club presents a literary event. Our guest from Poland will be a well-known Polish writer and journalist, Artur Domosławski, who will discuss the life and oeuvre of Ryszard Kapuściński (1932-2007) after the premiere of a documentary, Poet on the Frontline: The Reportage of Ryszard Kapuściński, by Gabrielle Pfeiffer.

The event will take place at the historical Ruskin Art Club (800 South Plymouth Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90005) at 6:30 p.m., on Saturday, September 11, 2010 at 6:30 p.m.

Ryszard Kapuściński (1932-2007) was a famous Polish journalist, writer, poet and photographer, internationally recognized for his groundbreaking literary style and reports from around the world. He published 16 books during his lifetime, as well as six volumes of memoirs, two poetry collections. Two books appeared after his death and many volumes were translated. A 16-volume edition of his collected works was issued in 2008. Kapuściński received over 50 prizes and awards, including six honorary doctorates from universities in Gdańsk, Wrocław, Sofia, and Barcelona, as well as Silesian and Jagiellonian Universities.

Our guest, Artur Domosławski, is a distinguished Polish writer and journalist at “Gazeta Wyborcza” and Kapuściński’s biographer. A graduate of the State Higher School of Theater in Warsaw, he mostly writes about Latin America, anti-globalization movement, social conflicts, and religious issues. He published five books and hundreds of essays. His book, Latin-American Fever (Gorączka latynoamerykańska) is a report from travels throughout Central and South America. For the book America in Mutiny (Ameryka zbuntowana), he received the Beata Pawlak Prize. Published in 2010, Kapuściński non-fiction, has been engendered an intense debate in Polish and foreign media.

* * *

CALENDAR OF EVENTS - FALL 2010

Our Calendar has been updated recently. We are pleased to announce that the Modjeska Club will host a meeting with Prof. Leszek Balcerowicz, a noted economist and politician, who led the transformation of Poland's economy into a modern, free-market system in the 1990s. Prof. Balcerowicz's earlier visit, planned for April 2010, was canceled due to the national mourning period after the crash of the Presidential plane near Smolensk, Russia.


• October 10, 6:00 p.m.: An Evening of Song - with Marta Wryk, Soprano, and Adam Kosmieja, Piano (both from New York), at the South Pasadena Library Community Room, South Pasadena. Program includes songs and piano music by Dvorak and Chopin.
  
  
• October 16, 2010, 6:00 p.m.: Meeting with Prof. Leszek Balcerowicz, economist and politician who reformed Polish economy in the 1990s, hosted by the Consulate General of the Republic of Poland
  
  
• October 17, 2010 5:00 p.m.: Modjeska Club Honors Jan Nowicki, award ceremony and reception, event associated with the Polish Film Festival in Los Angeles.
  
  
• October 26, TBA: Polish Jazz at the Jazz Bakery with Jan Jarczyk from Montreal, Darek Oleszkiewicz, and other musicians (co-sponsored by Modjeska Club).
  
  
• November 21, 2010, 6 p.m. Kabaret Starszych Panow performed by our friends, Polish Club from Riverside.
  
  
• December 11, 6:00 p.m.: Christmas Party (Modjeska Club Members Exclusive), private residence.
  
  
• December 31, 2010, 8:00 p.m.: Sylwester - New Year's Eve Party (Modjeska Club Members Exclusive)
  
  
• January 22, 2011, 6:00 p.m.: Travel to Tibet by Maria and Edward Pilatowicz, screening of film and discussion at South Pasadena Public Library Community Auditorium.
  
  
  * * *
  
  EVENTS OF OUR FRIENDS - FALL 2010
  
  
  
• September 12, 3:00 p.m.: Chopin with Cherries - Poetry Reading from an anthology edited by Maja Trochimczyk, with 14 American poets and Prof. Rick Wilson playing Chopin on the flute, Beyond Baroque Literary Arts Center, Venice, CA.
  
  
• September 23-26, 2010, 8:30 p.m.: "In the Solitude of Cotton Fields" by Radoslaw Rychcik/Stefan Zeromski Theater, REDCAT at Disney Hall, Los Angeles. Experimental art-rock show dubbed as "a combination of a concert, disco, poetic slam, and club event" by Gazeta Wyborcza.
  
  
• September 25-26, all day: Polish Festival of Los Angeles at the Our Lady of the Bright Mount Church, Adams St., Los Angeles
  
  
• October 15-21, TBA: Polish Film Festival in Los Angeles - exact program will be posted on the Festival's website.
  

Stefan Wenta, Ballet, and Chopin

On August 6, 2010, over 50 Modjeska Club members gathered at the Ford Amphitheater to honor Stefan Wenta, an eminent choreographer, whose work, "Fantasy on Polish Airs" to Chopin's music was premiered that evening by the Luminario Ballet of Los Angeles. The ballet was one in a sequence of six works by different choreographers, set to a full range of music, including American jazz and rock (with inspirations from Broadway and the Cirque de Soleil), premiered by the two-year old troupe on a balmy Friday evening. For more information about this program, called "Taking Flight" and other projects of the troupe, see the Luminario Ballet website.

Stefan Wenta was a principal dancer and choreographer of the Warsaw Opera Ballet where he performed in such ballets as Romeo and Juliet, Swan Lake and Coppelia. After receiving a scholarship to study in Paris, along with other Polish notables such as Roman Polanski, Zbigniew Cybulski and Andrzej Komeda, Stefan became the partner of the Paris Opera’s prima-ballerinas Yvette Chauvire and Lycette Darsonval. As the premier dancer of the Theatre d’Art du Ballet he performed in India, Indonesia, China, Africa and all over Europe.

In 1960 he came to America where he became the Artistic Director of the Western Ballet of Los Angeles and later the Wenta Ballet of Los Angeles. He choreographed numerous ballets and a number of films such as Logan’s Run, Our Man Flint, Fantastic Voyage and Warren Beatty’s Reds. Currently he is teaching at the MIMODA studio in Hollywood while finishing his novel, to be published in late spring of 2011.

Prior to the performance, the Modjeska Club members gathered for a potluck picnic-reception in the Amphitheater's plaza and witnessed a brief but poignant ceremony, when Mr. Wenta received a Certificate of Appreciation recognizing his achievements as a choreographer and honoring his contributions to Polish culture. Mr. Wenta spoke about his ideas of celebrating Chopin's 200th birth anniversary with a ballet set to one of the composer's rarely heard works, variously known as Fantasy on Polish Airs, Fantasia on Polish Airs, and Fantaisie brillante on Polish Airs in A major, Op. 13.

Composed in 1828, it is the second-ever piece by Chopin for piano and orchestra, written after the lovely Variations "La ci darem la mano" based on Mozart's aria. Some well-known Polish tunes make their appearance in the melodious score by a student composer, just 18 years old at the time, including an old, popular romance about Laura and Filon, "Juz miesiac zaszedl..." (Already the moon has set...) and a theme from Karol Kurpinski's Elegy on the Death of Thaddeus Kosciuszko. The piece ends with a vivacious Kujawiak, set in a faster tempo than typical for this usually melancholy folk dance, followed by an extensive coda, brilliantly choreographed by Mr. Wenta.

The difficulty of providing new choreography to old music based on "danceable" tunes set to traditional folk rhythms is considerable: the dancers could have been easily just dancing the mazurka or the kujawiak on the stage. Instead, Mr. Wenta chose to creatively use his corps de ballet and soloists, narrating a Polish story of suffering and triumph, with allusions to national dances and events from Chopin's life.

During the reception, he explained his understanding of the national character in dance music on the example of the mazurka and the polonaise choreographed by Russians and Poles. We will find out more about his conception of the piece and his creative ideas from the interview, soon to be published on my blog, Chopin with Cherries.

The photos from the "Ballet at the Ford Theater" may be seen at Picasa web albums. The full report in Polish will be posted on the Modjeska Club website. We will write about our August 13 event in the next post.

In the meantime, a reminder that the Modjeska Club Calendar of Events is filling up quickly - both by our own events and with those organized by others, as noted below.

* * *

CALENDAR OF EVENTS - FALL 2010


• September 11, 6:30 p.m.: The Controversial Ryszard Kapuscinski, screening of a documentary on Polish journalist and writer, with his biographer's comments. Ruskin Art Club, Los Angeles.
  
  
• October 10, 6:00 p.m.: An Evening of Song - with Marta Wryk, Soprano, and Adam Kosmieja, Piano (both from New York), at the South Pasadena Library Community Room, South Pasadena. Program includes songs and piano music by Dvorak and Chopin.
  
  
• October 16, 2010, 6:00 p.m.: Modjeska Club Honors Jan Nowicki, award ceremony and reception, event associated with the Polish Film Festival in Los Angeles.
  
  
• November 20, Kabaret Starszych Panow performed by our friends, Polish Club from Riverside, private residence.
  
  
• December 11, 6:00 p.m.: Christmas Party (Modjeska Club Members Exclusive), private residence.
  
  
• December 31, 2010, 8:00 p.m.: Sylwester - New Year's Eve Party (Modjeska Club Members Exclusive)
  
  
• January 22, 2011, 6:00 p.m.: Travel to Tibet by Maria and Edward Pilatowicz, screening of film and discussion at South Pasadena Public Library Community Auditorium.
  
  
  * * *
  
  EVENTS OF OUR FRIENDS - FALL 2010
  
  
  
• September 12, 3:00 p.m.: Chopin with Cherries - Poetry Reading from an anthology edited by Maja Trochimczyk, with 14 American poets and Prof. Rick Wilson playing Chopin on the flute, Beyond Baroque Literary Arts Center, Venice, CA.
  
  
• September 23-26, 2010, 8:30 p.m.: "In the Solitude of Cotton Fields" by Radoslaw Rychcik/Stefan Zeromski Theater, REDCAT at Disney Hall, Los Angeles. Experimental art-rock show dubbed as "a combination of a concert, disco, poetic slam, and club event" by Gazeta Wyborcza.
  
  
• October 15-21, TBA: Polish Film Festival in Los Angeles - exact program will be posted on the Festival's website.

_______________________

Note: Photos of Stefan Wenta, Krystyna Kuszta (Vice President of Modjeska Club) and the Consul for Cultural Affairs of the Republic of Poland, Malgorzata Cup (by Maja Trochimczyk); and group photos from the informal event, with Stefan Wenta's impromptu lecture, conversations with club members, etc.

Ballet, Film and Theater in August

The Modjeska Club will gather for two events this month: on August 6 for the premiere of Stefan Wenta's ballet based on Chopin's music and on August 13 for the premiere of a documentary about Marian Kolodziej, an Auschwitz survivor, "The Labyrinth."

On Friday, August 6, 2010, at 8:30 p.m., at the Ford Amphitheater, Hollywood (the private event starts at 7:00 p.m.), in honor of Chopin's 200th birthday celebration, the LUMINARIO BALLET OF LOS ANGELES presents the premiere of a ballet by STEFAN WENTA

FANTASY ON POLISH AIRS, as part of its spectacle TAKING FLIGHT

The performance takes place
at the FORD AMPHITHEATER
on 2580 Cahuenga Bld. East
Hollywood 90068

Artistic director Judith Flex Helle explains that the ballet features a number of choreographers, “from Broadway to So You Think You Can Dance to Cirque du Soleil.” Mr. Wenta’s ballet celebrating Chopin’s anniversary is included among this rich variety of dance forms. For tickets and more information visit the www.luminarioballet.org


Stefan Wenta was a principal dancer and choreographer of the Warsaw Opera Ballet where he performed in such ballets as Romeo and Juliet, Swan Lake and Coppelia. After receiving a scholarship to study in Paris, along with other Polish notables such as Roman Polanski, Zbigniew Cybulski and Andrzej Komeda, Stefan became the partner of the Paris Opera’s prima-ballerinas Yvette Chauvire and Lycette Darsonval. As the premier dancer of the Theatre d’Art du Ballet he performed in India, Indonesia, China, Africa and all over Europe.

In 1960 he came to America where he became the Artistic Director of the Western Ballet of Los Angeles and later the Wenta Ballet of Los Angeles. He choreographed numerous ballets and a number of films such as Logan’s Run, Our Man Flint, Fantastic Voyage and Warren Beatty’s Reds. Currently he is teaching at the MIMODA studio in Hollywood while finishing his novel, to be published in late spring of 2011.

* * *

A week later, on Friday, August 13, 2010, at 7:55 p.m. a short documentary, THE LABYRINTH, will have its premiere at the Arclight Cinema-Hollywood (6360 West Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90028-7323, 323-464-4226), followed by a VIP Reception co-hosted by our Club, the Consulate General of the Republic of Poland in Los Angeles and ARRI Camera Inc. Please do not be late; there is no late seating!

The film is a part of the International Documentary Association’s DocuWeeks 2010 Theatrical Showcase, which is an Oscar qualifying event. Additional screenings of The Labyrinth will take place during the week of August 13-19, in a set of three documentaries, including also Mozambique and Keep Dancing. Tickets for the premiere may be purchased at: www.newamericanvision.com/docuweeks/shorts.html.

The Labyrinth is an immersion into the artwork and testimony of Auschwitz survivor, Marian Kołodziej, a Polish-Catholic, who was sent to the camp on the first day it opened. This is a moving and touching film about resilience and hope in the midst of unbelievable suffering. This unique film focuses on Mr. Kołodziej’s extensive graphic pen and ink drawings and his testimony about his experiences in the death camp. After his liberation, Mr. Kołodziej went on to become a noted set and costume designer in theater and film.

Filmed on location at the St. Maximilian Kolbe Franciscan Center, near Auschwitz, Poland, the film features Roman Czarny as the voice of Marian Kołodziej. The original score was composed by Marek Żebrowski. The director/producer is Jason A. Schmidt, and producer, Ron Schmidt, S.J. The filmmakers will be on hand after the screening for questions and answers. For more information see: www.thelabyrinthdocumentary.com

* * *
In addition, we will have an opportunity of attending
a solo theater performance by Ewa Boryczko, "Modjeska: The Artist's Dream!" at the Camino Real Playhouse in San Juan Capistrano (31776 El Camino Real). The world premiere is scheduled on August 13-14 at 8 p.m. For more information and to purchase tickets visit the project's website. www.helenamodjeska.com/index.html

Club Events in August - Ballet and Film

It is such a hot and busy summer! The Modjeska Club will gather for two events this month:

• on August 6 for the premiere of Stefan Wenta's ballet based on Chopin's music and
  

• on August 13 for the premiere of a documentary about Marian Kolodziej, an Auschwitz survivor, "Labyrinth" by Father Ron Schmidt, SJ.

* * *

On Friday, August 6, 2010, at 8:30 p.m., at Ford Amphitheater, Hollywood (the private event starts at 7:00 p.m.), in honor of Chopin's 200th birthday celebration, the LUMINARIO BALLET OF LOS ANGELES presents the premiere of a ballet by STEFAN WENTA

FANTASY ON POLISH AIRS

The performance takes place
at the FORD AMPHITHEATER
on 2580 Cahuenga Bld. East
Hollywood 90068

There will by a specially reduced price for members of the Modjeska Art and Culture Club. The code for obtaining the 20$ ticket (instead of $30) will be available to our members and friends in our official email/mail invitation. Ford Amphitheater Box Office phone number is: 323-GO-1-FORD (323-461-3673).

STEFAN WENTA was a principal dancer and choreographer of the Warsaw Opera Ballet where he danced roles in Romeo and Juliet, Swan Lake, Coppelia, etc. After receiving a scholarship (together with Roman Polanski, Zbigniniew Cybulski, and Andrzej Komeda) to study in Paris, he became the partner of the Paris Opera's prima-ballerinas Yvette Chauvire and Lycette Darsonval. He also was the premier dancer of the Theatre d'Art du Ballet, with which he gave guest performances in India, Indonesia, China, Africa and all over Europe.

In 1960 he came to America where he became the Artistic Director of the Western Ballet of Los Angeles, and, later on, the Wenta Ballet of Los Angeles. He choreographed many ballets, and also did the choreography for numerous films like Logan's Run, Our Man Flint, Fantastic Voyage and Warren Beatty's Reds. He presently teaches classes at the MIMODA studio in Hollywood while finishing his novel to be published in late spring of 2011.

Look for posters of Modjeska for the event's location!

* * *

On Friday, August 13th, 2010, at 7:30 p.m., Modjeska Club members and friends will be able to attend the premiere of

THE LABYRINTH

This short documentary, 37 minutes in length, has been selected for the International Documentary Association's 14th Annual DocuWeeks 2010 Theatrical Showcase. Modjeska Club members and guests are invited to attend the official premiere on Friday, August 13, at 7:30 p.m.,followed by a QA with the filmmakers and by a reception at 10:00 p.m.

THE LABYRINTH
Arclight-Hollywood Cinema
6360 West Sunset Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90028-7323
(323) 464-4226

Tickets can be purchased online and more information is on the ArcLight website. Other screenings will be at the Arclight-Hollywood from Aug. 13-19.

According to the film director, Jesuit priest, Father Ron Schmidt, The Labyrinth is the chronicle of one Polish artist's journey from repentance to resurrection. He wrote: "Art and hell collide as Auschwitz survivor Marian Kolodziej finally confronts the horrors of his past after 50 years of silence. Kolodziej was on one of the first transports to enter Auschwitz. He survived five years imprisonment and never spoke of his experience until after a serious stroke in 1993. He began rehabilitation by doing pen and ink drawings depicting his horrific experience."

"Marian’s drawings and art installations, which he called The Labyrinth, fill the large basement of a church near Auschwitz. Through the blending of his testimony and graphic drawings, we explore the memories and nightmares that were buried for years. Why would a confrontation with death trigger the need to record his long-suppressed memories? And why in this graphic, metaphorical way? Marian was in the same roll call group with St. Maximilian Kolbe and Marian made many drawings of Fr. Kolbe."

"After the war, Mr. Kolodziej became a noted set and costume designer for the theater and film, in his native Poland. When Pope John Paul II returned to Poland, Mr. Kolodziej designed the outdoor altars for the Pope's Masses."

* * *

Modjeska Club Calendar of Events for Fall 2010

September 11, 6:30 p.m.: The Controversial Ryszard Kapuscinski, screening of a documentary on Polish journalist and writer, with his biographer's comments. Ruskin Art Club, Los Angeles.

October 10, 6:00 p.m.: An Evening of Song - with Marta Wryk, Soprano, and Adam Kosmieja, Piano (both from New York), at the South Pasadena Library Community Room, South Pasadena. Program includes songs and piano music by Dvorak and Chopin.

October 26, TBA: Polish Jazz at the Jazz Bakery with Jan Jarczyk from Montreal, Darek Oleszkiewicz, and other musicians (co-sponsored by Modjeska Club).

November 20, TBA: Kabaret Starszych Panow performed by our friends, Polish Club from Riverside.

December 11, 6:00 p.m.: Christmas Party (Modjeska Club Members Only Event).

January 22, 2011, 6:00 p.m.: Travel to Tibet by Maria and Edward Pilatowicz, screening of film and discussion at South Pasadena Public Library Community Auditorium.

February 2011, TBA: War Memoirs with writers John Z. Guzlowski and Frank Zajaczkowski, and Terry Tegnazian, publisher of Aquila Polonica.

March 2011, TBA: Mickiewicz in Translation with Prof. Roman Koropeckyj, UCLA, Mickiewicz scholar, and Prof. Leonard Kress, Owens College, Mickiewicz's translator; including film fragments.

* * *

Events of Our Friends

August 9, 5:30 p.m.: Japan: Land of Geishas, Rising Sun, and Sumo Wrestlers at Cedars Sinai Alumni Association, Program by Wanda Presburger, $15, Cedars Sinai Medical Center. Henry Morse Auditorium, Plaza Level, Los Angeles.

August 13-14: Modjeska! The Artists Dream - Play about Helena Modjeska, performed by Ewa Boryczko, Camino Real Playhouse, San Juan Capistrano, CA www.helenamodjeska.com.

September 12, 3:00 p.m.: Chopin with Cherries - Poetry Reading from an anthology edited by Maja Trochimczyk, with 14 American poets and Prof. Rick Wilson playing Chopin on the flute, Beyond Baroque Literary Arts Center, Venice, CA.

October 15-21, TBA: Polish Film Festival in Los Angeles - exact program will be posted on the Festival's website.

What's new in the 2010-2011 season?

On June 26, 2010, members of Helena Modjeska Polish Arts and Culture Club in Los Angeles gathered to elect the new President and Board of Directors for the 2010-2012 term. I am delighted to say that I was unanimously awarded the honor of leading the Club for the next two years.

The 2010-2012 Board of Directors of the Modjeska Club includes:

Officers:

• Maja Trochimczyk, President
  
• Krystyna Kuszta, Vice President
  
• Danuta Zuchowska, Treasurer
  
• Krystyna Bartkowska, Secretary
  
  Members:
  
• Andrew Z. Dowen
  
• Krystyna Okuniewski
  
• Boguslaw Plewnia
  
• Wanda Presburger

What are our plans? We have been talking about possible programs, with an abundance of opportunities and options. We encourage all Modjeska Club members and friends to post comments, send suggestions, and in other ways interact with the new Board of Directors, to ensure that the coming years are filled with interesting, uplifting, inspiring, educational, and entertaining programs and events.

Our first event is coming up soon: Mark your calendars for Friday, August 6, 2010, 8:30 p.m., Ford Theater, Hollywood (the private event starts at 7:00 p.m.):

In honor of Chopin's 200th birthday celebration

LUMINARIO BALLET OF LOS ANGELES

presents

the premiere of a ballet by STEFAN WENTA

FANTASY ON POLISH AIRS

The performance takes place
on August 6th, 2010 at 8:30PM
at the FORD AMPHITHEATER
on 2580 Cahuenga Bld. East
Hollywood 90068

There will by a specially reduced price for members of the Modjeska Art and Culture Club. The code for obtaining the 20$ ticket (instead of $30) will be available to our members and friends in our official email/mail invitation. Ford Amphitheater Box Office phone number is: 323-GO-1-FORD (323-461-3673).

STEFAN WENTA was a principal dancer and choreographer of the Warsaw Opera Ballet where he danced roles in Romeo and Juliet, Swan Lake, Coppelia, etc. After receiving a scholarship (together with Roman Polanski, Zbigniniew Cybulski, and Andrzej Komeda) to study in Paris, he became the partner of the Paris Opera's prima-ballerinas Yvette Chauvire and Lycette Darsonval. He also was the premier dancer of the Theatre d'Art du Ballet, with which he gave guest performances in India, Indonesia, China, Africa and all over Europe.

In 1960 he came to America where he became the Artistic Director of the Western Ballet of Los Angeles, and, later on, the Wenta Ballet of Los Angeles. He choreographed many ballets, and also did the choreography for numerous films like Logan's Run, Our Man Flint, Fantastic Voyage and Warren Beatty's Reds. He presently teaches classes at the MIMODA studio in Hollywood while finishing his novel to be published in late spring of 2011.

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What other events are in the works?

Fall 2010 Calendar of Modjeska Club Events in Los Angeles

August 16-19: "Labyrinth" documentary about an Auschwitz prisoner and artist, Mr. Kolodziej, by Father Ron Schmidt, SJ, at ArcLight Theaters in Hollywood, exact times TBA (co-sponsored by Modjeska Club)

September 11, 6:30 p.m.: "Mickiewicz in Translation" with Prof. Roman Koropeckyj, UCLA, Mickiewicz scholar, and Prof. Leonard Kress, Owens College, Mickiewicz's translator; including film fragments. Ruskin Art Club, Los Angeles

October 10, 6:00 p.m.: "An Evening of Polish Song" - with Marta Wryk, Soprano, at the South Pasadena Library Community Room, South Pasadena

October 26, TBA: "Polish Jazz at the Jazz Bakery" with Jan Jarczyk from Montreal, Darek Oleszkiewicz, and other musicians (co-sponsored by Modjeska Club)

November 20, TBA: "Kabaret Starszych Panow" performed by our friends, Polish Club from Riverside

December 11, 6:00 p.m.: "Christmas Party" (Modjeska Club Members Only Event)

January 22, 2011, 6:00 p.m.: "Travel to Tibet" by Maria and Edward Pilatowicz, screening of film and discussion at South Pasadena Public Library Community Auditorium

February 2011, TBA: "War Memoirs" with writers John Z. Guzlowski and Frank Zajaczkowski, and Terry Tegnazian, publisher of Aquila Polonica, South Pasadena Public Library Community Room

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We also note the efforts of our friends, promoting Polish culture in California:

August 9, 5:30 p.m.: "Japan: Land of Geishas, Rising Sun, and Sumo Wrestlers" at Cedars Sinai Alumni Association, Program by Wanda Presburger, $15, Cedars Sinai Medical Center. Henry Morse Auditorium, Plaza Level, Los Angeles.

August 13-14: "Modjeska! The Artists Dream" - Play about Helena Modjeska, performed by Ewa Boryczko, Camino Real Playhouse, San Juan Capistrano, CA www.helenamodjeska.com

September 12, 3:00 p.m.: "Chopin with Cherries" - Poetry Reading from an anthology edited by Maja Trochimczyk, with 14 American poets and Prof. Rick Wilson playing Chopin on the flute, Beyond Baroque Literary Arts Center, Venice, CA

October 15-21, TBA: "Polish Film Festival in Los Angeles" - exact program on the Festival's website.

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There are other projects and ideas that we are discussing, hearing about and sharing. We want to visit Modjeska's Arden in Orange County, her home in Laguna Niguel, and Ganna Walska's Lotusland. We want to go hiking and see historic homes in Los Angeles area and Southern California.

We want to meet at public spaces and private mansions, but most of all, we want to share our love of Polish art and culture!

Do you like our plans? Do you have something else in mind? For all suggestions please contact me at prezes@modjeska.org.

Maja Trochimczyk