| I have just attended my seventh PolArt, this time in Adelaide, always as a non-performer.
Adelaide Polart was the 11th Polart since it began in Sydney in 1975.
I recall attending a meeting in the early 1970s, chaired by a Mrs Krupski, President of the Polish Women’s Association, when the concept of PolArt was being created. Little did I know then what an ongoing success it would be well over 30 years later.
PolArt Adelaide was wonderful. I attended all the folkloric concerts and enjoyed them immensely; with over 400 performers it was a never-ending feast of movement, colour and music.
Unfortunately, I was unable to attend any of the musical, theatrical and art activities and shows; this was my only and great disappointment.
I have reflected on only a few of the many wonderful moments from my experience at Polart 2009.
The Opening Mass was held at St Francis Xavier Cathedral. Attending was the Bishop of Adeliade and Society of Christ Priests including their leader in Australia, Fr Tadeusz Przybylak.
Dozynki in Elders Park Adelaide was spectacular. The opening ceremony was awash with Krakowiaks. I have never seen so many Krakowiaks by so many performers in so many costumes. Magnificent!
The South Australian Premier, Mike Rann, gave a great and emotional speech on Poland and its history and culture.
Folkloric rehearsals were held at the Dom Polski and before concerts at the Playhouse Theatre and Convention Centre and led by the Tatry choreographers Marek and Joasia Trepa.
There, the youngest folkloric “performer” I saw was a one-year-old called Markus who attended rehearsals with his parents.
The PolArt committee, led by Andrew Monk, was everywhere and one of their number, Pawel Zajac, received a medal at the Gala concert from the Republic of Poland.
There were 11 groups from around Australia and New Zealand and one of the biggest groups was, naturally, the local group “Tatry”.
Thank you Adelaide for holding the 11th PolArt Festival.
The next PolArt will be held in Perth in 2012. Congratulations to Perth.
As they say: “I can’t wait for that one.”
Henry Iglinski
PS. I would like to thank the caretakers of Polish Hill River Church Museum for being available outside normal visiting hours to show us around.
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