Happy 2012! And to celebrate both the New Year and the start of CR’s fourth year, we welcome new writers, present you with new books, new stories, and introduce you to some social networking – of the real kind.
In this issue, director Agnieszka Holland talks to Canadian writer Eva Stachniak about her new film, In Darkness, and about identity, while CR’s Irene Tomaszewski reviews Stachniak’s splendid new book, The Winter Palace, A tale of intrigue, treachery and fear.
For more on the cultural front, meet Bogusław Schaeffer, Poland’s Renaissance Man, in Magda Romanska’s celebration of his dazzling work. Margaret Araneo also makes her first appearance in CR, reviewing Beth Holmgren’s wonderful book about a Polish and American superstar, Starring Madame Modjeska. Interesting coincidence: both Schaeffer and Modjeska have had chocolates created in their honor.
Ever wonder why the events of 1989 are always reduced to images of a wall tumbling down, and while the really big story is overlooked? Canadian author, Heather Kirk, thinks people should know about the only real people’s revolution, one that was peaceful, successful, quintessentially Polish, and killed “precisely no one.” Now that’s a story! Be Not Afraid. Check out the review.
Yes, social media and virtual encounters are important but what about really meeting people and really talking? Justine Jablonska reports about the Polish Global Village Happy Hour, a very popular encounter of the real kind in Washington DC. While in Canada, some university grads decided to meet with high schools students, an idea inspired at a campfire. Clearly by an Iskra.
Polish odysseys during WorldWar II are among the most popular CR features. To date, we’ve taken you to Iran, India, Africa and other exotic journeys; in this issue, Polish-Mexican filmmaker Piotr Piwowarczyk gives you a glimpse into his next film, about the Poles of Hacienda Santa Rosa.
Plus, Manya, Susan Marie Frontczak’s brilliant portrayal of Skłodowska-Curie, Polish American poetry, and more updates in the Bulletin.
We do have stories to tell, and we’ve been late telling them. Justine Jablonska ponders this issue and also talks to Dan Soles, the Chief Television Content Officer at Chicago’s Public Radio Station, WTTW, about program selection for Polish Heritage Month.
Happy reading! CR
Photo: First snow in Hudson Heights, Quebec, Canada – December 2012
