Cold War

In 1949, Poland, Zula is a bold and talented singer, while Wiktor is a withdrawn and damaged composer. They are drawn to each other and dream of escape, but in Communist-controlled Poland, the desire for freedom can be dangerous. Cold War is an epic love story set in Europe during the divided years, and it tells the story of passion, redemption, and the journey to be free.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 88 pages
Publication date: 07 December 2023
Publisher: Nick Hern Books

In 1949, Poland was a country under the control of the Communist regime. Zula, a talented singer, possessed a bold and brilliant personality that captivated the audience whenever she performed on stage. Wiktor, on the other hand, was a withdrawn and damaged composer who yearned to express his creativity through music. Despite their differences, they were irresistibly drawn to each other, forming a deep bond that transcended their respective struggles.

However, their desire for freedom in a Communist-controlled Poland was a dangerous thing. The regime was known for its strict censorship and surveillance, and any form of dissent was ruthlessly suppressed. Zula and Wiktor knew that their love could be a threat to their lives, but they couldn't resist the pull of each other.

As the years went by, their love grew stronger, and they began to plan their escape from Poland. They knew that it would be a difficult and risky journey, but they were determined to take it. They spent countless hours researching and gathering information, trying to find a way to cross the border and start a new life in a free country.

Their plan was finally put into action in the early 1960s. They managed to cross the border into West Germany, where they were welcomed with open arms by a group of activists who were working to help refugees escape from communist countries. They provided them with food, shelter, and medical care, and helped them to find new jobs and start new lives.

For Zula and Wiktor, their journey to freedom was a long and difficult one. They faced many challenges and obstacles along the way, but their love for each other was a constant source of strength and inspiration. They knew that they had made the right decision to escape Poland, and they were grateful for the opportunity to start a new life in a free and democratic country.

In the years that followed, Zula and Wiktor continued to pursue their passion for music. They performed together in concerts and festivals, and their music touched the hearts of people all over the world. They became symbols of hope and freedom for those who were still living under the control of communist regimes, and their story inspired many to fight for their own rights and freedoms.

Cold War is an epic love story that spans the decades and breadth of Europe at its most divided. It is based on the film by Academy Award winner Paweł Pawlikowski, and this stage adaptation by Conor McPherson was first performed at the Almeida Theatre, London, in November 2023, directed by Rupert Goold, and featuring traditional Polish songs alongside music by Elvis Costello.

The play tells the story of Zula and Wiktor, two young people from different backgrounds who are drawn together by their love for music. Despite the political and social unrest that surrounds them, they are determined to pursue their dreams and create a better life for themselves. However, their journey is not without its challenges, and they face many obstacles along the way.

One of the most significant challenges they face is the strict censorship and surveillance that the Communist regime imposes on its citizens. Wiktor, as a composer, is particularly vulnerable to the regime's control, as his music could be seen as a form of dissent. He spends countless hours working on his music, trying to find ways to express his creativity without compromising his safety.

Meanwhile, Zula, as a singer, is also under constant scrutiny from the regime. She is known for her bold and outspoken personality, and the regime fears that her music could inspire others to rebel against the regime. They try to silence her by banning her from performing and even arresting her on several occasions.

Despite these challenges, Zula and Wiktor refuse to give up on their dreams. They continue to perform together, even in the face of danger, and their music becomes a symbol of hope and resistance for those who are living under the regime's control. Their love for each other is a constant source of strength and inspiration, and they are determined to create a better life for themselves and for their future children.

As the play progresses, we see the couple's love grow stronger and more complex. They face many challenges and setbacks, but they never give up on each other. They learn to navigate the political and social landscape of their time, and they find ways to express their love and creativity in the face of adversity.

One of the most powerful moments in the play is when Wiktor finally composes his masterpiece, a song that captures the spirit of the resistance movement and the hope for a better future. The song becomes a rallying cry for those who are fighting for their rights, and it inspires others to join the movement.

In the end, Cold War is a powerful and moving play that tells the story of Zula and Wiktor, two young people who are forced to navigate the treacherous waters of a communist-controlled society. Their love for each other is a constant source of strength and inspiration, and their journey to freedom is a testament to the human spirit's resilience and determination. The play is a reminder of the importance of love, freedom, and the pursuit of one's dreams, even in the face of adversity.

In conclusion, Cold War is a powerful and moving play that tells the story of Zula and Wiktor, two young people who are forced to navigate the treacherous waters of a communist-controlled society. Their love for each other is a constant source of strength and inspiration, and their journey to freedom is a testament to the human spirit's resilience and determination. The play is a reminder of the importance of love, freedom, and the pursuit of one's dreams, even in the face of adversity.

Dimension: 198 x 129 x 6 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781839043093
Edition number: stage version