Elizabeth Costello — 7 Lectures and 5 Moral Tales

A production by Nowy Teatr (Poland)

Based on the works of J. M. Coetzee

Directed by: Krzysztof Warlikowski
Music: Paweł Mykietyn
Set and Costume Design: Małgorzata Szczęśniak
Duration: 240 minutes, including one intermission
Premiere: April 11, 2024, Nowy Teatr, Warsaw

❗ Latecomers will not be admitted.

About the Performance

Elizabeth Costello is a fictional literary character created by Nobel Prize-winning author J. M. Coetzee. Over time, however, she has become much more than a fictional figure — an intellectual alter ego through whom Coetzee explores profound ethical, philosophical, and existential questions.

For Krzysztof Warlikowski, Elizabeth Costello has long been a recurring presence within his theatrical universe. Having appeared in several of his previous productions, she now takes center stage in a monumental work that combines literature, philosophy, visual art, and deeply personal reflection.

The performance explores themes of aging, memory, identity, loneliness, moral responsibility, and humanity’s place in the contemporary world. Rather than presenting a conventional narrative, it creates an intricate intellectual and emotional labyrinth filled with literary references, historical echoes, and cultural associations.

Six actors embody different versions of Elizabeth Costello, transforming her into a multifaceted portrait of contemporary humanity, suspended between private inner life and public reality.

Cast

• Mariusz Bonaszewski
• Andrzej Chyra
• Piotr Polak
• Małgorzata Hajewska-Krzysztofik
• Maja Komorowska
• Hiroaki Murakami
• Monika Niemczyk
• Maja Ostaszewska
• Ewelina Pankowska
• Jacek Poniedziałek
• Magdalena Popławska

Awards

🏆 17th Divine Comedy International Theatre Festival, Kraków (2024)

• Best Actress — Maja Komorowska
• Best Set Design — Małgorzata Szczęśniak

About the Theatre

Nowy Teatr was founded in Warsaw in 2008 under the artistic direction of Krzysztof Warlikowski. Today it is one of Europe's leading theatre institutions, presenting dramatic productions, music programs, exhibitions, and educational initiatives.

The theatre also hosts major international projects, including the Generation After platform and the New Europe Festival, showcasing important contemporary theatre productions from across Europe.

⚠️ The performance contains strobe lighting effects, loud sound, and objects simulating animals.

Special Ticket Offer

Holders of TBC Concept Visa and TBC WM Visa cards receive special discounts on ticket purchases. Advance sales discounts apply through May 22, with additional discounted rates available afterward according to the organizer’s terms.

📸 By purchasing a ticket, attendees consent to appearing in photo and video materials recorded during the festival.