The Witches (Czarownice) by Jakub Lubowicz (music) and Jakub Szydłowski (libretto) is the first original musical in the history of Kraków’s VARIETE Theatre, inspired by the events that shook Salem in 1692.
An incident occurs in a strict, puritanical congregation, setting off a chain of tragic consequences. Young girls, captivated by the slave girl’s tales of fortune-telling with sticks and shells, gather in the woods on the night of the spring equinox, hoping their dreams of true love will come true. Their innocent fun is quickly stopped by the local pastor, who deems it the work of sinister forces. To avoid punishment, they start naming other people as alleged accomplices of the devil. Isolated accusations quickly turn into a wave of suspicion that engulfs the whole town. Panic erupts. Hysteria turns into a collective psychosis that destroys both victims and executioners.
Will the residents who know the truth manage to save Salem from the wave of terror? Will common sense prevail over the mounting tide of absurd accusations? Is there room for loyalty, courage and love in a world dominated by fear and slander?
In the age of new invisible enemies surrounding us from sides, unbridled slander and religious zeal, the story is more relevant than ever.
Previews: 16, 17 April 2026
Première: 18, 19 April 2026
A show with live music.
The production is recommended to audiences aged 16 and over.
