Exhibition: Counting Modernity

This year marks the 90th anniversary of Poland's independence, and serves as the pretext for the Royal Castle museum's exploration of the 20 years of interwar Poland. However, the focus will not be the political situation of the era, but rather the everyday lives of our parents' and grandparents' generation. The subject and motto of the exhibition is modernity - the modern achievements and innovations of the Second Republic. The exhibition will immerse the viewer in the mood and atmosphere of the era: political events, social movements, and cultural life.

when - Until 10th February
where - Royal Castle, Plac Zamkowy 4
more info - click here

Theatre: Dancing, Teatr Polonia

Krystyna Janda’s Teatr Polonia presents a new spectacle structured around the poetry of inter-war writer Maria Pawlikowska-Jasnorzewska set to music by Jerzy Satanowski, choreographed by Jaroslaw Staniek and starring Krystyna Janda and dancers from the Jaroslaw Staniek Dance Theatre. As a special treat the theatre will be putting on a New Years Eve performance.

when - 30th December - 3rd January
where - Teatr Polonia, ul. Marszalkowska 56
more info - click here

Exhibition: Marek Piasecki, Fragile

Born in 1935 in Warsaw. From 1945 to 1967 Piasecki lived in Cracow and now lives in Lund in southern Sweden. A member of the Cracow Group, his practice includes photography, painting, print and sculpture. He has participated in many exhibitions both in Poland and abroad. His work demonstrates links both with the tradition of pre-war surrealism and with the neo-dadaist movement of the 60s. Piasecki's 'assemblages' are often cited as having been influenced by the work of the American master Joseph Cornell.

when - January - February
where - Zacheta Gallery of Art, Plac Malachowskiego 3
more info - click here

Exhibition: Granice (Borders)

Collaborative photographic project by New York based Piotr Sikora and Piotr Bondarczyk. During communist times Poland was pretty much a closed shop but recently it has seen many new people, cultures and ethnic groups moving here. This fascinating exhibition seeks to document these new residents and in the process makes the viewer aware of the huge social changes taking place in Poland today.

when - December - January
where - Warsaw Ethnographic Museum, ul. Kredytowa 1
more info - click here

Exhibition: No such thing as society

Intended as an overview of British documentary photography from the late 1960's - 1980's much of imagery on show is concerned with the problems and difficult times faced in Britain during these years. Deindustrialisation, the miners strike, the troubles in Northern Ireland and the general demise of Great Britain. Of course one of the key figures in all this mayhem was dear old Maggie, a woman who as far as I can tell, the Poles are still totally in awe of. Of course they didn't have to put up with the wretched hag for 11 years and watch her systematically destroy Britain and the little dignity the working classes had left (sorry, getting a bit carried away but those were my formative years!). The title of the exhibition itself comes from one of Thatchers most famous quotes "There is no such thing as society. There are individual men and women, and there are families." The works on display come from the collections of the British Council and the Arts Council. The show is curated by David Alan Mellor, professor of art history at the University of Sussex.

when - November 24th - January 11th 2009
where - Centre for Contemporary Art, ul. Jazdow 2
more info - click here

The Fifth Jazz & Film Meetings

Hmmm, kind of a strange one as it's neither a festival nor a one off event but a series of four evenings, between December and March, featuring jazz performances, discussions and the showing of a movie or documentary where the linking factor is, believe it or not, Jazz and Film! Looks like a pretty interesting and unique series of evenings but please bear in mind that the lectures and movies will be in Polish.

The opening night on the 5th December features a concert by Marysia Sadowska, a lecture by writer and film director Tadeusz Konwicki and a showing of his film 'The Last Day of Summer'.

The closing event, in March, is dedicated to composer Krzysztof Komeda and will feature a concert of some of his jazz scores played on solo piano by Andrzej Jagodzinski and a showing of Krzysztof Bukowskiego's documentary film "Those Chosen by God Die Young". A collection of reminiscences about Polish cultural icons who have passed on, including a section on the life and work of Komeda.

For more info and the full programme please click the link below.

when - 5th December - 9th March
where - Kino Kadr, Gotarda 16
more info - click here

Exhibition: Ulrike Ottinger

Ulrike Ottinger began her career as a painter but rapidly developed an interest in film. She is now best known as one of Germany's leading independent film makers and is dedicated to the whole process, including directing, producing, stage and costume design. She gained worldwide fame with her 1977 film 'Madame X, An Absolute Ruler', a post-modern pirate yarn featuring lesbians, leather, domination, violence and death on the China Seas. So, a sort of 'Pirates of the Caribbean' for the feminist/lesbian underground!

As well as a retrospective of her films there will be an exhibition of over 100 exhibits such as costumes, screenplays, large format photographs and collages associated with her practice.

The exhibition opens 11th December at 6pm

when - 11th December - 1st January
where - Centre for Contemporary Art, ul. Jazdow 2
more info - click here

Exhibition: Halina Nalecz In Memoriam

The exhibition "Halina Nalecz - In Memoriam, 1917 Vilnius – 2008 London" is a retrospective and a tribute to Halina Nalecz, a painter and collector who emigrated to England after the Second World War. In 1957, she opened her own gallery at Porchester Place in London, from which she set out to promote contemporary currents of modern art, quickly making the gallery famous. The gallery featured exhibitions by such famous artists as Victor Vaserely, Joseph Lacasse and Cecil Stephenson, as well as Polish artists, including Henryk Berlewi, Tadeusz Ilnicki, Feliks Topolski, Lutka Pink, Piotr Potworowski, Franciszka and Stefan Themerson, and Marek Zulawski. In her own painting career, Halina Nalecz created completely original works, often reminiscent of colourful fairy-tale scenes filled with plants and animals. In 1977, Halina Nalecz donated over 150 paintings and sculptures as well as several works on paper to the National Museum in Warsaw. The current exhibition will commemorate this donation and show several works chosen from the collection in memoriam of Halina Nalecz, who died last year.

when - Until 31st January
where - National Museum, al. Jerozolimskie 3
more info - click here

Bugs Bunny on Ice – Around the World in 80 minutes.

A breathtaking show featuring not only Bugs Bunny himself but a host of other popular ‘Loony tunes’ characters. Based on Jules Verne’s Around the World in 80 Days this spectacular show includes 30 international skaters, action, acrobatics and pyrotechnics. A great New Year treat for the kids. Tickets 55-140PLN

when - 2nd - 4th January
where - Torwar, ul. Lazienkowska 6A
more info - click here

Concert: El Dupa

El Dupa is a collective of whacked out Polish musos including Krzysztof Radzimski, aka Dr. Yry, and cult Kult man Kazik. The band formed in 1998 after Dr. Yry brought in a bunch of mates to help him out on a solo project he was working on. It all got out of control and El Dupa emerged from the mayhem!

A fun live band encompassing a million and one musical styles and crazy onstage antics guarantee a great night out. Of course a good knowledge of the Polski language would also be a benefit as their songs are often hilariously funny.

Just in case any of you don't know, El Dupa translates as The Arse.... Man, how funny is that! You really should get your Dupa down to Stodola and pick up a very reasonably priced ticket, 33PLN in advance and 38PLN on the night. Doors open at 7pm and the show is due to start at 8.30pm

when - 9th January
where - Klub Stodola, ul. Batorego 10
more info - click here

Concert: Boy George

Strangely enough this will be creative 'Karma Chameleon Mr. O'Dowd's first visit to Warsaw. Actually, what with the ongoing conservatism and simmering homophobia maybe it's not that strange that the loveable rogue ain't been here before!

Although 'The Boy' has never really regained the kind of popularity which he had with Culture Club in the 1980's his ongoing mess of activities, including performing, DJ-ing, writing, broadcasting, fashion and photography make him a star in my book. Constantly innovating and exploring George uses creativity in any way which help him achieve his goals. So get yourself along to Club Capitol to see this man of many talents and even more hats.

Tickets are 110PLN in advance, 140PLN on the night and for people who think they are better than everyone else VIP tickets (limited to 100) can be procured for 240PLN. Concert starts at 9pm.

Stop press: Have just read that Boy George has been arrested in the UK following an incident involving a Norwegian rent boy, a pair of handcuffs, a heavy chain and some lewd photos. It looks fairly unlikely that this concert will go ahead. He is currently on bail with trial set for early in the new year. it is expected he will either be sent down for 3-6 months or 300 hours community service. Either way he is to stay at an address in London set by the courts and is not allowed to leave the country. Advise caution before buying tickets for this show!

when - 10th January
where - Club Capitol, ul. Marszalkowska 115
more info - click here

Concert: Leningrad

St.Petersburg based ska-punk collective famous for their raucous songs about the finer things in life or more specifically; girls and vodka. Probably best known outside Russian for appearing on the soundtrack of ‘Grand Theft Auto IV’. Doors open at 7pm and the high jinx are expected to begin at 8.30pm.

when - 17th January
where - Klub Stodola, ul. Batorego 10
more info - click here

Polish Wedding Gala

Poles take their weddings very seriously indeed and this is the biggest gala of its kind in Poland. On show will be anything and everything you could possibly need to make your wedding day ultra special. Around 200 companies will be represented. A major fashion show featuring over 300 wedding dresses will take place on the main stage of the Sala Kongresowa. For the thrifty their will also be the opportunity to purchase last years wedding creations at up to 80% discount. Almost makes you want to get married! I said ALMOST!

when - January 17th - 18th
where - Palace of Culture, Plac Defilad 1
more info - click here

Concert: The Stranglers

The grand old men of punk visit Warsaw’s legendary student club, Proxima. The Stranglers formed in 1974 and are still going strong 34 years on. Expect all the hits and more, although minus superb original frontman Hugh Cornwell. Mind you he did leave the band 18 years ago!

when - 18th January
where - Klub Proxima, ul. Zwirky i Wigury 99A
more info - click here

Concert: Winterfest

Ear shattering death metal festival featuring a number of scary long haired European bands such as Vader, Samael, Zonaria plus a nice bunch of boys from Tampa, Florida who go by the name Deicide. Their mamas must be so proud.

when - 22nd January
where - Klub Progresja, ul. Kaliskiego 15A
more info - click here