Skowyt

HOWL

2025-12-05

Allen Ginsberg's "Howl" is the most powerful voice of protest in the American counterculture. Published in 1956, it continues to expose the desires and blindnesses of so-called consumer society, confronting them with the often-unconscious power of art. Above all, it is a story about outsiders. A poem that heralded and continues to herald change. Kamil Białaszek (known as rapper Koza) also finds this in Ginsberg's text, which has admirers and fans in Poland, in his diploma work as a director at the Jewish Theatre. "The level of media drivel, disinformation, and manipulation employed by billionaire politicians would drive Ginsberg crazy today, just as the concept of the Vietnam War and the CIA's drug policy drove him crazy. The poet repeatedly argued that American intelligence agencies were responsible for the large-scale distribution of drugs in third-world countries," director Kamil Białaszek explains the relevance of "Howl," adding that his script: "It is an attempt to combine the sad history of the legacy of hippie culture with the story of the poet's reappearance in the reality of the fascist, contemporary United States. While writing, I was driven by the question: What is "Howl" really about? In my interpretation, this poem tells the story of an unstoppable drive toward self-destruction, both at the level of a world government and an entire civilization, and from the perspective of an individual trying to find meaning in existence and crashing against the wall of the metaphysical reality of late capitalism."

Kamil Białaszek recently directed the acclaimed play "New Pan Tadeusz, Only Rap-Based" at the Polish Theatre in Poznań.

The Bima Directorial Debuts Stage, established at the Jewish Theatre by Gołda Tencer and produced in collaboration with the Warsaw Theatre Academy, is a voice for directors entering the profession. To date, the Bima has produced "The Long One" based on Irit Amiel, directed by Karolina Kowalczyk; "The Jewish Dog" based on Asher Kravitz, directed by Ewa Galica; and "Feluni" based on Ewa Kuryluk, directed by Ewa Platt.

NOTE: Some seats may be replaced with cushions.

Duration: 90 minutes

Show suitable for audiences 18+.

This performance contains content that may be difficult, disturbing, or uncomfortable for some viewers, including:

- simulations of drug use and depictions of intoxication,

- discussions of suicide and suicidal thoughts,

- vulgar language,

- flashing lights/strobe lights,

- loud music.

Caution is advised. Viewers with a history of trauma, addiction, or mental health crises are asked to make an informed choice before participating. We encourage them to consult a professional if necessary.

- Support Center for People in Mental Crisis (ITAKA Foundation)
800 702 222 (24/7, free of charge)
www.liniawsparcia.pl(link is external)(link is external)

- Addiction Helpline - National Bureau for Drug Prevention
800 199 990 (24/7, free of charge)

- Narcotics Anonymous (NA)
www.narkomania.org.pl(link is external)(link is external)

- Helpline - Society of Friends of People
22 621 35 37 (Monday-Sunday, 2:00 PM - 10:00 PM)

- Online psychological support (including chat, email, and video consultations):
www.pomocpsychologiczna.online(link is external)(link is external)

Release date:

June 20, 2025 - 7:00 PM