Dear Marcin,

Thank you for your email.

Besides the issue of a foreign embassy involving itself in the affairs of a local theater, we are offended by Mr. Piotr's insinuation that we're racist and find it lacking of taste. For more of the story, as reported by the New York Post, click here. (Notice what they say about "theater staffers.")

Re the Consul General: There is no letter from him received in our office; all exchanges with him were verbal. Part of it follows below: Mr. Krzysztof Kasprzyk was present at the first preview showing of the play. Following the play, Mr. Tenenbom saw him downstairs, surrounded by a small crowd, as he loudly and angrily shared his thoughts with them. When he noticed
Mr. Tenenbom he raised his voice at him and accused him of "desecrating the Polish flag" by projecting anti-Semitic slogans on it. Mr. Tuvia Tenenbom calmly responded that the graffiti came from Poland, that it is present all over in Lodz as we speak, and that he did not mean to desecrate anything except than present life as it is in that part of the world. Mr. Krzysztof Kasprzyk, his voice rising, then loudly accused Mr. Tenenbom for engaging in racist entertainment thru the use of a "Polish character in the play who turns into a Nazi." Mr. Tenenbom responded that same character turns later into a Jew--and that no Jew ever objected to it and that he wonders why the Consul General does. At this Mr. Krzysztof Kasprzyk calmed down, looked at Mr. Tenenbom and said: "You tried to encourage intellectual debate and you certainly succeeded. As you can
see, we all talk and argue about the play. This is a good thing, I must admit." But in an interview on Polskie Radio, this same Consul General lashed out at the play, saying it encourages no discussion, etc. This flip-flopping from a foreign dignitary, saying one thing and then its exact opposite, is sad. We also think that his behavior at the theater was not worthy of a diplomat--of any nation. In addition: The reporter for the radio (Joanna Najfeld), who had not seen the show (the Opening was March 11), lashed out at the play as well, as if she'd seen it and could pass any judgment on it.

Cordially Yours,
Liz Lauren
The Jewish Theater of New York