Backstage in the 60's, Polish Style

The book Kulisy Teatru by Edward Hartwig has been on my bookshelf as long as I can remember. It's filled with arresting behind the scenes photos of Polish theatre in the 1960's. Unfortunately my Polish is no better than a 'Hello', 'I love you' or 'That was yummy', so I sadly cannot translate the pages of introduction published in 1969. There is very little biography of either this book or author in English online so I wanted to share some pictures that capture the heart beating ache that many have for the theatre that I too was caught by, and led into my love for costume design.

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The scenic painters and set decorators create a world.

The forms of dancers while resting.

An amusing juxtaposition of ballerinas and a security guard both preparing for their work.

Two ladies, one in front and one behind. Both confident of their place.

Ahh, the magic of wardrobe.

Movie stars and cupids to grace the costume shop.

More scenics clowning around whilst a scenographer plays serious.

The magic of heavy eye make-up and a cigarette.