Gloria Artis gold medals for the duo Mariusz Treliński and Boris Kudlička
It has been 25 years since the unique staging of Giacomo Puccini’s opera “Madame Butterfly,” produced for the Polish National Opera by the creative duo of Mariusz Treliński and Boris Kudlička, started thrilling audiences around the world. The performance, first shown on May 29, 1999, has become a milestone in the history of Polish opera.
The show of February 2 on the stage of the Polish National Opera was rounded off with the honouring to the cast and creatives behind the production. The highlight of the anniversary was the awarding of the prestigious Medals for Merit to Culture – Gloria Artis to the director and artistic director of the Polish National Opera Mariusz Treliński, as well as the set designer Boris Kudlička, a long-term collaborator of the Warsaw opera house. On the same evening, the distinction was also awarded to Andrzej Pągowski, a Polish artist, creator of theater and film posters (including “Madame Butterfly”), whose works have had a significant influence on the promotion of Polish culture around the world. The awards were presented by Hanna Wróblewska, the Minister of Culture and National Heritage.
The justification stated: Mariusz Treliński has become famous for combining the beauty of classical music with contemporary interpretation and modern aesthetics. With his works, he gave a modern shape to the National Opera. His most important productions include: “La Traviata”, “Turandot”, “The Flying Dutchman”, “Orpheus and Eurydice”, “Onegin”, “The Queen of Spades”, “Salome”, “Tristan and Isolde”, “Iolanta” and “Bluebeard’s Castle”, “Petticoat” , “Fiery Angel”, “Cardillac.” Boris Kudlička created the scenography for all the above performances. His innovative approach to the stage space and expressive aesthetics were an integral element of Treliński’s artistic vision.
During this year’s January and February performances, the title role was sung by the Polish star soprano Aleksandra Kurzak who continued the tradition of outstanding performances in this staging, initiated by Izabela Kłosińska in 1999. The jubilee presentation of “Madame Butterfly” was not only a celebration of an outstanding staging, but also a tribute to the producers and artists who have contributed to the international success of the National Opera, shaping the image of the Polish stage.