We? The People? On Marta Górnicka’s 'Constitution for the Chorus of Poles'

Abstract

The author looks into Konstytucja na Chór Polaków[Constitution for the Chorus of Poles], a production directed by Marta Górnicka (premiere 1 May 2016), analysing it both with reference to Górnicka’s previous works, and in light of Poland’s political situation – particularly the crisis surrounding the Constitutional Tribunal, the country’s highest constitutional court. Godlewski examines subsequent parts of the production, demonstrating the extent to which Górnicka’s work endeavours to abolish all manner of hierarchies, while itself falling into discourses of dominance and power. The post-theatrical nature of the production is revealed in consciously referencing tradition, while escaping illusoriness and exposing the performative mechanisms relevant to the presence of a text or of a body in space.