White blouse, Och-Teatr

„White blouse”, based on a short story by Agnieszka Osiecka, is a story about an impossible love — love for an opposition activist.

On September 7, 2025, at Aula Artis in Poznań, the story of a woman who cannot cope either with herself or with Poland during the era of martial law was presented. The titular “white blouse” was a dream and a symbol of adaptation to life in a country of prohibitions and orders, censorship, opposition, ration cards for meat, workplace certificates, identity documents, stamps, curfews, and political prisoners. It was a country lacking freedom, where a roguish, noble-style spirit fueled by alcohol, love, friendship, and a sense of humor allowed people to feel the taste of life.

Over time, the performance became “cult,” staged all across Poland. It was reflected in by growing youth, who felt that Osiecka’s heroine speaks, thinks, and feels like they do. Today, returning to that story means presenting a production once again set in those times. But the heroine — now a mature woman with life experience — interprets and thinks differently. The same story, but with a different tone, emphasizing different issues.

The performance also speaks to new generations, in a way characteristic of Osiecka, conveying the atmosphere and color of a bygone era. In the performance, emotions were also expressed through ten of Agnieszka Osiecka’s most important songs. It was a musical performance illustrated with film materials.

Cast: Krystyna Janda
Direction: Magda Umer
Adaptation: Magda Umer

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