Katarzyna Droga “Dziunia, but the Lady. A novel about Hanka Bielicka”, ZNAK Publishing House. In one word – excerpt:
Silence and darkness, the curtain goes up. Spotlights illuminated the slender figure on the stage. A second-year acting student, a bit nervous, began with feeling about Chimena with Cyda.
Eyes to heaven, hands over heart, a slim girl speaks with a strong and low voice about her tears and unhappy eyes … until her very tear rolls in her eye. Alexander Zelwerowicz himself in the audience. Hanka, because it was she who so eagerly wanted to convey the despair of Chimena, looked anxiously at the headmaster. He sat there with a strange face as if holding back tears. Was he so moved? Unfortunately. Zelwer suddenly laughed, jumped up from his chair and shouted:
– No no no! Not again! Stop it, please take that crocodile, or I’ll die laughing here! Another student please!
Hanka ran from the stage and threw herself crying onto the chair in the dressing room. She rested her head on the table under the mirror and sobbed like never in her life. The door creaked and someone stepped behind her. She didn’t want any consolations, even if they were Jurek Duszyński or Danka Szaflarska, her best friends. Yes, it must be Danka, she walks so quietly.
“Don’t say anything,” Hanka whispered through her tears. – You heard how he treated me. Cham one, how can you ?! I collect my belongings and go home! Crocodile! It’s that nose! There is my place in Łomża, not on the stage! She’s right, old grandfather, I won’t be any actress!
“I didn’t say that,” a familiar voice sounded behind her, but not Danka’s.
I think she was dreaming! Zelwer! Had she not called him lame and grandfather?
“I was deserved,” she heard as if he could read her mind. – Sorry for the crocodile, no gentleman should say that to a lady, even a schoolgirl’s teacher. But the grandfather and the boor? Come on, we’re even. Mrs. Bielicka, please tell your grandfather what he ate his teeth on stage, why you want to go home.
“Sorry,” she began weakly, but he interrupted her with a gesture of his hand. So she answered the question: – Because I’m not suitable. Because I’ll never be a good actress. I go on stage and everyone laughs.
– Exactly! Zelwerowicz shouted. – Mrs. Bielicko, Mrs. Bielicko – this is how he always addressed Hanka – you are a characteristic actress. And that’s a gift, that’s something! You will always have the love of the public, regardless of the age. Your grandmother, daughter and granddaughter will listen to you at the same time, and each will love you. Do you know what this gift is?
– Really? Hanka asked hesitantly, wiping away her tears. Makeup smeared all over her face.
“Really,” Zelwerowicz repeated seriously. – Only Ophelia, please do not play, the monastery in the first act or the audience will laugh. There are fewer female comedy roles, but they are good. Come on, don’t leave.
“Good,” Hanka said obediently, and a ray of sunshine shone in her soul. Maybe he has some talent after all? – Thank you, Headmaster. I’ll just cut that nose anymore!
– What’s with the nose? Zelwer asked in surprise.
– I want to have a plastic surgery – a resolute student informed him. – I collect money from tutoring, in Paris they make quite neat noses.
– Don’t you dare! The professor thundered. – Girl, look for such a kinola with a candle! You will see how useful it will be to you. You still have to learn the art of acting, but the cinema is already worth a million.
– How’s that? Hanka stammered, rubbing her nose. He was big, too big, she had no doubts about it. Such Jadwiga Barszczewska had a shapely nose …
– Why do you all want to be the same? Zelwer sighed. – Tell me, Miss Anna, how many students do we have per year?
Holy God, he remembered her name, probably on the attendance list. Admittedly, everyone called her Hanka, but …
“Seven,” she replied quickly.
– And it started?
– Twenty?
– Exactly. Four or five people from your year will complete these studies. It doesn’t take any more, to be an actor is not a field, there are few real actors. But those who finish, oh! Their names will be heard by the world and you will be among them… and the two who are waiting for you at the door. Duszyński and Szaflarska, what? Nobody knows these names yet, but that will change. Remember my words! Come on, go to them.
Hanka ran out of the dressing room and leaned her back against the wall. Indeed, her faithful package was waiting: Duszek and Danka, as well as Irenka Brzezińska. They surrounded her and started asking questions, and Danusia handed her a handkerchief. Bielicka told her friends about the course of the conversation, she also revealed what the director had foretold.
– Let’s go for vodka – suddenly suggested Jurek Duszyński. – If Zelwer himself has made us famous, you have to drink it!
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Source: Gazeta
Tristin is an accomplished author and journalist, known for his in-depth and engaging writing on sports. He currently works as a writer at 247 News Agency, where he has established himself as a respected voice in the sports industry.
