On November 2, in the heart of Manhattan, the prestigious Theatre Row on 42nd Street hosted a remarkable cultural event: the theatrical debut of Alex Storozynski, Chairman of the Kosciuszko Foundation in New York. His performance was part of the acclaimed United Solo Festival, a premier celebration of the art of monodrama. This evening, Storozynski transported the audience into a poignant exploration of personal and national history, delivering a monologue that was both intimate and profoundly resonant.
Storozynski’s monodrama, based on his latest book, Spies in My Blood, delves into his family’s entanglement with espionage and political intrigue during the tumultuous 20th century. Drawing from his experiences as a witness and participant in pivotal events of 1980s Communist Poland—an era marked by resistance, oppression, and transformation—Storozynski offered an intensely personal lens on broader historical struggles. His narrative traversed the intersections of identity, loyalty, and survival against the backdrop of a nation in flux.
Directed by the esteemed theater professor and artist Omar Sangare, the production skillfully blended the emotional depth of Storozynski’s story with a keen historical awareness. Sangare’s decision to present the monologue in English made the performance accessible to a global audience, highlighting the universal themes within the deeply Polish narrative. His nuanced direction brought to life the multifaceted characters and complex emotions that define the story, ensuring it resonated across cultural and generational divides.
Storozynski’s stage presence was nothing short of magnetic. In his debut, he navigated the multilayered narrative with striking authenticity, seamlessly transitioning between personal memories and historical reflections. His portrayal of the dualities of human experience—strength and vulnerability, hope and despair—drew the audience into an evocative journey of self-discovery and collective memory.
Theatre Row’s audience was spellbound, captivated by the monodrama’s ability to intertwine the personal and political. Storozynski’s performance was a masterclass in storytelling, demonstrating how individual lives are shaped by—and, in turn, shape—historic events.
Spies in My Blood is more than a debut; it is a bold statement of artistic and cultural intent. By bringing his literary work to life on stage, Storozynski not only showcased his talent as a storyteller but also illuminated the enduring relevance of Poland’s history in shaping today’s global narratives. This performance will undoubtedly leave an indelible mark on Storozynski’s career and the broader Polish-American cultural dialogue in New York.
"Spies in My Blood"
Written and Performed by Alex Storozynski
Directed by Omar Sangare
November 2, 2024
United Solo Festival, Theatre Row, NYC
The 17th United Solo Festival
September 24 – November 17, 2024
Theatre Row
410 West 42nd (btw 9th and 10th Avenue)
Born in Poland and based in New York, Agata Drogowska is a filmmaker, artist, journalist, writer, and curator specializing in the visual and performing arts. With a career spanning over two decades, Drogowska has become a significant figure in the cultural dialogue between Poland and the United States. She holds a degree in Painting and Arts Education from the University of the Arts in Poznań (formerly the Academy of Fine Arts) and a diploma in Filmmaking from the New York Film Academy, which she completed in 2010. Her multidisciplinary background is reflected in her diverse accomplishments as a painter, set designer, and artistic director during her early career in Poland. Drogowska’s notable achievements include serving as Vice President of the Artistic Association “InterCity” (1999–2010), curating a critically acclaimed exhibition of works by renowned Polish-American photographer Ryszard Horowitz (2010), and leading the public art project “The Art Benches” (2003–2007), which transformed urban spaces in Poznań into interactive art installations. Since 2012, Drogowska has been based in New York, where she currently serves as the President of New York Artists and Filmmakers. Under her leadership, the organization is dedicated to showcasing contemporary Polish cinema and fostering artistic collaborations between Poland and the United States. Her work has been presented at renowned venues, including MoMA, the Tribeca Screening Room, and the Polish Consulate General in New York. Drogowska is also an accomplished filmmaker, having debuted with the short experimental film Sick Home, Home Sick in 2004. Beyond her artistic endeavors, she is an active journalist and writer, contributing insightful articles on art, film, and culture to international publications. Her projects often focus on preserving and celebrating the legacy of Polish cinema and art, emphasizing their relevance in contemporary global discourse. For more information, visit agatadrogowska.com.
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