For four days, the experimental hall of the SOLARIS Centre became a cytoplasmic ocean thanks to a unique event – the opera "Solaris" based on the novel by Stanisław Lem. An unobvious world of sounds pulsating, growing and piercing the viewer, opera singing supported by artificial intelligence, the play of lights and perfect acting made Waldemar Raźniak's work remain in the memory of the audience for a long time. The performance of the National Old Theatre was part of the Opera Rara festival.

This unique production, inspired by Stanisław Lem's science fiction novel "Solaris", provided an unforgettable experience for lovers of opera, theatre and modern art. Its aim was to transport the viewer into the surreal world of Solaris by means of character creations, minimalist decorations against the background of the research infrastructure and poignant music. The audience could immerse themselves in deep emotions and reflection on the nature of human existence. The very procedure of entering the performance with an escort of the audience service office employees dressed in grey overalls, walking through the dark corridor of the experimental hall and a long moment of waiting for the unusual spectacle built tension and put the audience in the mood of the performance.

On the futuristic stage, the world's groundbreaking artistic undertaking was attended by: Roman Gancarczyk – Gibarian, Krzysztof Globisz – Older Man, Adam Nawojczyk – Snaut, Karolina Stanieć – Rhea and Krzysztof Zawadzki – Kris Kelvin. Music performed by: Hashtag Ensemble

This opera is not only a musical spectacle, but also a deep journey through the human psyche, the central point of which is the mysterious and elusive world of Solaris. We want our audience to experience not only the beauty of music and scenography, but also to reflect on their own emotions and interpersonal relationships, said Waldemar Raźniak, director of the Old Theatre and director of the project.

The performances could only be seen from 1 to 4 February, and tickets were sold out so quickly, that many Solaris fans did not manage to purchase them.

This project impresses with its scale and context: a large performing team, a lot of visual elements and the presence of accelerators behind the stage - all this is impressive. Raźniak does not add new meanings to Lem, but rather focuses on creating mood and atmosphere. This is achieved by excellent, eloquent, sometimes very moving acting, as well as the musical layer, which effectively builds tension, and at times even reaches the verge of - very justified - ear irritation – reports cultural journalist Przemek Gulda

The event is a co-production of the Opera Rara Festival, The National Old Theatre, Hashtag Ensemble and the Warsaw Stage Society. The partner of the performance was the Jagiellonian University, and the SOLARIS National Synchrotron Radiation Centre was its space.

Photo by M. Jaglarz and N. Zapart