Despite the ongoing summer break, members of the UW’s student associations continue their initiatives. On 7th, 14th and 16th July, The Cheerful Hamlets, the theatre from the Institute of English Studies, staged the play Gatsby. The Musical. This was the first musical performance in the group’s more than 25-year history.

The libretto for Gatsby. The Musical was written by the group members – Jay Al-Naddaf, Sara Górna, Zuza Przyborek and Helena Żegnałek, and based on the novel The Great Gatsby by Scott F. Fitzgerald. The work on the play started at the beginning of the year, when the cast was chosen and the first choreography rehearsals took place. The lyrics and music were prepared by the students themselves.

“The choice of a musical came from the desire to do something new, which the Hamlets had not yet attempted. Every year, the group prepares new plays, whose range is very wide – from tragedies, comedies and crime stories to online plays, performed by students during the pandemics. There has been no musical so far,” said Prof. Anna Wojtyś, supervisor of The Cheerful Hamlets.

Gatsby. The Musical was the first musical performance in the history of the group’s activities. The play was performed on stage in the basement of the University Library on 7th, 14th and 16th July.

The Cheerful Hamlets

The Cheerful Hamlets theatre group has been active since 1997. Its repertoire includes adaptations of Shakespeare’s classic works (Macbeth, dir. Maria Sawicka, Jan Ziętara, Much Ado About Nothing, dir. Sara Górna, Helena Żegnałek), as well as contemporary plays (Steel Magnolias, dir. Sara Górna, The Mousetrap, dir. Paulina Piórkowska). The Cheerful Hamlets brings together students who wish to develop their acting, directing and screenwriting skills, as well as prepare make-up, stage design or costumes. The group is made up of first- to third-cycle students and graduates. At the beginning of each academic year, open auditions are held for everyone, regardless of their field of study.

“The Cheerful Hamlets theatre plays an important role not only for the Institute of English Studies, but also the faculty and the university – we have an increasing number of international students who are unable to benefit from the university’s offer in Polish. Attending the Hamlets’ performances provides an element of adaptation, assimilation and integration into the environment, combined with an understanding of what is happening on stage,” emphasises Prof. Anna Wojtyś.

The next play staged by The Cheerful Hamlets is scheduled for the winter term.