Gdynia. Fordewind

02.03.2026

Gdynia. Fordewind is the latest production by the Municipal Theatre in Gdynia, directed by Daria Kopiec and adapted by Artur Pałyga, based on Aleksandra Boćkowska's acclaimed reportage Gdynia. Pierwsza w Polsce (Gdynia. First in Poland).

On the 100th anniversary of the founding of the city, which Gdynia residents describe as ‘the most Polish of Polish cities,’ the Municipal Theatre in Gdynia is inaugurating a theatrical journey through Gdynia's modernity. It nostalgically recalls past visions of the future, peeks into seaside basements, knocks on developers' windows and sets off on its own ship. Its rhythm is set by singing and the rocking of the waves.

‘Gdynia. Fordewind’ is a thoroughly Gdynia-based performance. Daria Kopiec, born in Gdynia, winner of, among others, Konrad’s Laurel, the most important Polish theatre award, and an internationally acclaimed artist, is staging a performance in her hometown for the first time. As the director emphasises, the performance ‘tells the story of a turning point in which both the idealised past and high expectations for the future come face to face with what is vital and authentic’.

The combination of real stories told by the residents of Gdynia and the myth of Gdynia creates a narrative that is both documentary and psychological in nature. The performance is part of the celebrations of the 100th anniversary of Gdynia and combines a celebratory, humorous, ironic, visual and dance dimension with a reflection on the past. Here, acknowledging the past becomes a way to take a breath before diving into the uncertainty of the future and setting sail on a favourable wind for the journey ahead.

Although 'Gdynia. Fordewind' stems from local experience, the performance takes on a universal dimension. It tells the story of a man, his memories, ambitions and fears – the concept of novelty as transformation. It is also co-created by artists associated with Gdynia: Aleksandra Gronowska, a composer from Gdynia, and Artur Pałyga, a playwright and winner of the 2013 Gdynia Drama Award.

'Gdynia. Fordewind' is the first full-cast production by the new management of the Municipal Theatre in Gdynia, whose aim is to promote Polish literature and drama and to create theatre that discusses history and contemporary identity using modern language and conventions, across the full spectrum of genres.

Gdynia. Fordewind

antymusical based on Aleksandra Boćkowska's reportage ‘GDYNIA. First in Poland’

Adaptation: Artur Pałyga

Direction and set design: Daria Kopiec

Music: Aleksandra Gronowska

Costumes: Patrycja Fitzet

Choreography: Michał Przybyła

Assistant director: Krzysztof Berendt

Premiere: 7 March, 2026

All of the cast members are from the Municipal Theatre in Gdynia:

Goldie - Marta Kadłub

Silverman - Piotr Michalski