Skořápka

ABOUT THE PLAY

A comedy about an unexpected friendship and a journey towards freedom.

Two women from completely different worlds meet in a remote library. Quiet and withdrawn Halina lives a secluded life among the shelves, spending most of her time in routine work and under the watchful eye of her caring mother. Her opposite is Roxana—an expressive, self-confident and flamboyant young woman who moves through the world with an ease and drive that allow her to forge her own path.

At first they seem to be clear opposites, but subtler layers of their personalities and inner uncertainties gradually emerge. An ordinary encounter becomes a story of transformation, the courage to step beyond established roles and the search for personal freedom.

The production’s great strength lies in the performances of Alena Mihulová and Petra Nesvačilová, who bring energy and comic exaggeration to their roles. Pavel Ondruch’s direction builds on a brisk pace and the striking contrast between the quiet library and the outside world.

About the author: Contemporary Polish writer, journalist and playwright Marcin Szczygielski (born 1972) has long been a prominent figure in Polish cultural life. In addition to his plays—of which The Shell is the best known—he writes novels for children and works as a journalist. He has received prestigious national awards for many of his works.

“Beneath the comic scenes, there is something deeply human and genuine in this play.” (Alena Mihulová)

“One of the main themes is how we shed our shells or masks, overcome mimicry, listen, communicate and try to remain open to what we do not know. Two very different personalities meet, both governed by their prejudices and fears. During the play they open up to one another and suddenly discover that the path to growth is very simple. People only need to listen to each other.” (Pavel Ondruch)

From Helena Grégrová’s review (i-divadlo.cz):

“A fragile and moving story about the chance meeting of two women in different situations and with seemingly very different personalities becomes, through the flawless partnership of Alena Mihulová and Petra Nesvačilová, an unerring bid by Divadlo Ungelt for the audience’s heart. I am still cherishing the thoroughly pleasant feeling and cathartic experience of the heroines gradually testing one another’s shells and finding understanding and mutual enrichment. Applause!”

PERFORMERS

Written by: Marcin Szczygielski

Directed by: Pavel Ondruch

Cast: Alena Mihulová and Petra Nesvačilová

PROGRAMME

A comedy by Divadlo Ungelt. Running time: 2 hours 10 minutes including an interval.

Photographs: Divadlo Ungelt archive