Glory to the heroines
Centre for Contemporary Art “Laznia” in Gdansk, 2019

Poland owes much to its women. They contributed significantly, yet they seem to be overshadowed in the celebrated narrative - the story of the fight for independence," emphasizes Barbara Labuda, an oppositionist and former MP, as quoted in Shana Penn's book, "Underworld of Women." The American researcher and journalist conducted interviews with Polish opposition activists, women who were pivotal in forging the anti-communist underground. She chronicled the endeavors of Anna Bikont, Teresa Bogucka, Anna Dodziuk, Anka Grupińska, Ewa Kulik, Barbara Labuda, Helena Łuczywo, Agnieszka Maciejowska, and Joanna Szczęsna, as well as delved into the history of "Tygodnik Mazowsze," a publication led by women. This underground magazine, active from 1982 to 1989, laid the foundation for a new civil society poised for a peaceful confrontation with communism. According to Penn, "Tygodnik Mazowsze" set the stage for a patient revolution. "Underworld of Women" and its protagonists served as the direct inspiration for a performance by Justyna Górowska.

Costiume: Pavel Vlodarski, Choreographic collaboration: Iza Szostak, Curator: Marcin Różyc