'Silver Masks' Awarded in Płock

«Originally, International Theater Day was to be celebrated on the 6th of April, but the death of the Pope caused its' delay until thursday night. As during all other such events, politicians and bureaucrats sat in the front row.

Many of them brought baskets of flowers and presents. For example, Adam Struzik, the Marshal of the Municipality responsible for the theater brought 17 mln PLZ (5 million USD) for the renovation of the theater building.

"My gift is far more modest," admited the mayor of Płock, Mirosław Milewski. He awarded the director of the theater 5 thousand PLZ (1,200 USD). "You can use this money for whatever you like. An expensive purchase, bonuses for employees, a less formal party than this one."

Still, the girls from the III general education high school got the most accolades. Although they brought only flowers, their words of gratitude to the artists were very moving: "Thank you for giving us the knowledge that all of life is, in a way, theater."

At the end of the celebration, the Society of Friends of the Theater awarded Silver Masks - meant to honor the most extraordinary artists of the season. Magdalena Tomaszewska-Karbowska was honored for her role as a maid in the farce "What's this all about" and as a cook in Vitkacy's "In a small Estate."

"She portrayed her role as full of life and brought a radiant smile to audiences' faces," went the justification for her award. Jacek Mąka was awarded for the third time, this time for his role as the father in Schulz's "Cinnamon Stores," and for his participation in the play "Our theater."

The third Silver Mask went to Andrzej Berner, responsible for the music track to "Cinnamon Store." He was unable to be at the awards ceremony because he lives overseas.

Profiles:

Jacek Mąka is 46 years old. He graduated the Warsaw PWST, acted in Kalisz, Bydgoszcz, Łódź, and in France. He resides permanently in Płock. "Overseas they always ask me where I'm from, and I always say I'm from Płock," the actor, born in Wołomin, underscores. He also hinted that soon he will perform before the public in Strasburg.

Magdalena Tomaszewska-Karbowska graduated the Acting School at the Stefan Jaracz Theater in Olsztyn. Unbeatable in her comedy roles, she was already nominated to the Silver Mask for, amongst other things, her part in "Dwóch morgach utrapienia." Although she is a young mother, she's still capable of scaring children. Lately, she played a witch in "The Enchanted Krzesiw"

Silver Masks

The Society of the Friends of Theater in Płock has been awarding Silver Masks since 1983. They are awarded to the best creative talents in theater of the passing season. The Silver Mask was designed by Zofia Samusik-Zaremba. They have been produced free of charge over the past 14 years by Jerzy Stachurski's workshop. The award recipients are kept secret until the last moment.»