The World of Jan Himilsbach

Artistic director: Martin Sander
Venues:
Berlin: Literaturforum Brecht-Haus, Kino Arsenal, Polish Losers' Club
Düsseldorf: Polish Institute
Leipzig: Polish Institute
Munich: Rachel Salamander literature shop
Schedule: 13 Nov. - 2 Dec. 2006


Although practically unknown in Germany, the stonemason, actor and storyteller Jan Himilsbach (1931-1988) was a prominent figure in Poland's post-war period. Ever since his debut in Marek Piwowski's legendary satire Rejs in 1970, he was one of the most popular actors of socially critical Polish cinema. It was only after he died, however, that Poles and Germans alike discovered that Himilsbach was also a brilliant storyteller. To mark the release of a German edition of his works in November 2006, the German-Polish cultural association Phoenix-Europa e.V. will host a festival at the same time with readings, films, appearances of contemporary witnesses and a touring exhibition.