A Surreal Future, A Satirical Mirror: Poland Is Not Yet Lost
by Kathryn Gainor
Prepare for a thought-provoking and potentially unsettling theatrical experience with “Poland Is Not Yet Lost, as long as we are alive!” This play, a bold and imaginative creation by Dorota Abbe and Michael Rubenfeld, plunges headfirst into the complex and often fraught territory of contemporary Polish-Jewish relations. Through a daringly satirical lens, it paints a picture of an alternate reality that is as fascinating as it is controversial.
What if?
What if the story of Jewish history in Poland took a dramatic—and surreal—turn? It’s a question that hangs heavy in the air as one considers the premise of “Poland Is Not Yet Lost, As Long As We Are Alive.” In a world imagined by the sharp and daring theater artists Dorota Abbe and Michael Rubenfeld, the unthinkable has occurred. The familiar geopolitical map has been redrawn, and Israel, as we know it, no longer exists.
In its place, a wave of approximately three million Jewish refugees seeks a new haven. Their gaze, perhaps surprisingly, turns towards Poland – a land etched in their collective memory, a place that holds centuries of intertwined history, both of profound cultural richness and unspeakable tragedy. This influx isn’t met with closed borders or suspicion, but with an open and, frankly, astonishing embrace, challenging conventional narratives of displacement and reception.
But here’s where the familiar narrative takes a sharp, almost dizzying detour. Instead of encountering the echoes of past complexities or potential resistance, these refugees are met with an unprecedented wave of welcome. Picture this: the very leader of Poland, the President, makes a profound and symbolic decision – they convert to Judaism. This isn’t just a personal choice; it acts as a cultural catalyst, sending ripples throughout the nation. In the wake of this monumental act, millions of non-Jewish Polish citizens follow suit, embracing a new faith and fundamentally altering the religious and cultural landscape of the nation. This mass conversion raises profound questions about identity, faith, and the fluidity of national belonging.
That’s the core premise of “Poland Is Not Yet Lost, As Long As We Are Alive,” a theatrical satire that masterfully walks the tightrope between the absurd and the all-too-familiar. It’s a scenario so outlandish, it forces one to reconsider deeply ingrained historical expectations and contemporary assumptions about nationalism, religion, and the very nature of societal change. This isn’t a gentle suggestion; it’s a deliberate jolt to the system. It’s not a prophecy whispered from the future, nor is it a political proposal laid out for consideration. Instead, it stands as a potent provocation, a theatrical hand grenade tossed into the often-stagnant waters of historical discourse, demanding a re-evaluation of entrenched perspectives.
And this isn’t just some quiet thought experiment happening on stage. This premise, this radical reimagining of history and identity, is getting people talking. It’s sparking conversations, igniting debates, and challenging audiences to confront uncomfortable questions about memory, belonging, and the ever-shifting sands of national identity. What does it mean for a nation so deeply rooted in its Catholic traditions to suddenly embrace a predominantly Jewish identity? How would this seismic shift ripple through every facet of Polish society, from its laws and customs to its cultural expressions, educational systems, and international relations? These are just some of the complex and compelling questions that this bold theatrical endeavor dares to pose, inviting us to consider the malleability of identity and the potential for unexpected transformations.
The Minds Behind this Audacious Premise
Dorota Abbe is a prominent and influential voice within contemporary Polish theatre. As an accomplished actress, director, teacher, and playwright, she has dedicated her career to pushing the boundaries of artistic expression and fostering meaningful dialogue. Her role as the artistic director of Teatr Nowy in Poznań underscores her leadership and commitment to innovative and socially relevant theatrical productions. Abbe is known for her unflinching gaze on Polish history and society, often creating work that critically examines nationalist narratives and seeks to amplify the voices of those who have been historically marginalized. Her artistic approach is characterized by a willingness to engage with challenging subject matter, prompting audiences to confront uncomfortable truths and reconsider established perspectives. Abbe’s deep understanding of Polish culture, its complexities, and its historical undercurrents provides a crucial foundation for the nuanced and often provocative nature of “Poland Is Not Yet Lost.” Her involvement ensures a level of artistic integrity and a profound engagement with the specific cultural context of the play’s setting.
Michael Rubenfeld, as a Canadian-Jewish theatre artist who has established a significant presence in the cultural landscape of Krakow, Poland, for many years. His artistic practice is deeply intertwined with themes of Polish-Jewish dialogue, memory, and the intricate process of navigating the silences and complexities left by history. As the co-founder of FestivALT, a vibrant Jewish arts and activist festival in Krakow, Rubenfeld has demonstrated a long-standing commitment to fostering intercultural understanding and creating spaces for meaningful exchange. His work often explores the delicate balance between remembrance and reconciliation, seeking to rebuild connections in a land marked by profound loss and historical trauma. Rubenfeld’s unique perspective, as both an outsider who has immersed himself in Polish culture and as an artist with a deep personal connection to Jewish history, brings a vital layer of sensitivity and insight to his collaborations. His experience in navigating the nuances of interfaith and intercultural communication is instrumental in shaping the satirical yet deeply human exploration at the heart of “Poland Is Not Yet Lost.”
Together, Abbe and Rubenfeld have created a project that is as much about the present as it is about the past. They’ve taken a historical dynamic marked by tragedy and estrangement and spun it into something speculative, satirical, and deeply human.
Unpacking the Satire: A Look at the Synopsis
The play’s imagined future—Poland as a safe haven for Jews—is intentionally provocative. It confronts a history of genocide, exile, and continued discomfort with Jewish presence in Poland. For some, it’s absurd or offensive. For others, it’s a painful “what if.”
But rather than offering a simple critique, Poland Is Not Yet Lost opens up a strange kind of hope. Could such a reversal—however unrealistic—give us new ways of talking about belonging? Could it loosen some of the weight that history still presses on our conversations?
The play doesn’t offer solutions. It offers questions, satire, and space to sit with both.
Don’t miss the chance to experience this masterpiece and support Yiddishland California’s mission to foster cultural understanding through innovative artistic expression. Please register at the event here: https://yiddishlandcalifornia.org/polandisnotyetlost/.
We look forward to sharing this impactful and unforgettable experience with you!
We have just returned from an incredible tour bringing Jeszcze Polska Nie Zgineta (Poland is not yet lost!) to California. We first performed the play at the University of California, Irvine, as part of the International Theater of Community Festival – a bold initiative using the power of performance to confront hate and build empathy.
Thank you to Bryan Reynolds, Zachary Price and the incredible team for such a great experience, and giving the show its English language premiere.
Following that, we brought the show to San Diego, where we were hosted by Yiddishland California. Thank you to Jana Mazurkiewicz for all the amazing work to bring the piece to your audiences.
It was a privilege to have Poland Is Not Yet Lost! echo in both of these incredible spaces.
California – thank you