NUMBER 4859

"Number 4859" is a gripping performance that takes viewers deep into the dark pages of history, telling the story of the strength of the human spirit and the resilience of an individual whose fate was marked by a number during the Holocaust, becoming a universal tale of hope and human courage.

The play touches on the boundaries of humanity and heroism. The main character is Captain Witold Pilecki, who created resistance structures in Auschwitz concentration camp. Before his eyes, there is humiliation, beatings, and the complete stripping of prisoners' human dignity. This kind of mystery of evil may provoke viewers to ask themselves fundamental questions: What is life? What value does it represent? After several decades, are we doing everything to prevent such depravity? Do we really not have a silent consent to killing?

PREMIERE: December 18, 2022, at the Center for the Meeting of Cultures in Lublin.

Directed by: Leszek Zduń

Written by: Krzysztof Petkowicz

Music by: Rafał Odrobina

Visualizations by: Julia Zduń

Cast: Aleksandra Najda, Krzysztof Petkowicz, Daniel Grabowski, Karol Szewczuk, Milena Saj, Wiktoria Sokół, Karolina Tarkowska, Maja Chodanowska, Melania Sowa, Joanna Jakubczak, Joanna Baran, Monika Cholszewska, Justyna Flisiak

A word from the director:

"Witold Pilecki experienced hell on earth in Auschwitz. As much as he could, he helped his fellow prisoners. As much as he could, he tried to preserve his dignity. However, his most important mission was to gather information about the functioning of the camp. Thus, the so-called 'Witold's Report' was created, which completely exposed the German propaganda about camp life. Although the main part of the drama takes place in the German concentration camp, the fate of the main character is completed in the Mokotów prison at Rakowiecka Street in Warsaw. The form of the performance makes the viewers somehow participants in this mystery."

The System Theater plays an important role not only as a form of entertainment but also as an educational tool, enabling reflection on the past and building connections with cultural heritage. We are delighted that this journey into the history of our ancestors has left a lasting mark on the memory and hearts of people, contributing to the building of stronger social bonds.

The performance was co-financed by the Ministry of Culture and Science as part of the "Education Support Program."