A Time To Reap

Synopsis

Marysia is a young woman born in the small, devoutly religious town of Niepokalanów. Her life, initially marked by the strict doctrines of Catholicism, becomes a complex interplay of faith, rebellion, and self-discovery as she grows up. Marysia’s innocence is shattered when she finds herself grappling with an unwanted pregnancy, a situation that forces her to confront the rigid expectations of her family and society. Her journey brings her into the orbit of Jan, a prominent Warsaw gynaecologist, whose professional life is steeped in ethical ambiguities and personal regret. Jan’s role as an abortion provider in a predominantly Catholic country places him at odds with his own beliefs and the societal norms around him.

The narrative unfolds through richly textured dialogue, capturing the essence of Marysia’s inner turmoil and Jan’s conflicted conscience. The bustling, modern streets of Warsaw contrast sharply with the quiet, traditional life in Niepokalanów, vividly highlighting the tension between progress and tradition. The settings immerse the audience in the characters’ world, making their struggles palpable and immediate.

As Marysia’s path intersects with Jan’s, we also meet Piotr, Jan’s estranged son. Piotr embodies youthful rebellion and the search for identity against the backdrop of Poland’s changing political landscape. His presence adds a layer of generational conflict and underscores the broader societal shifts occurring around them. The play deftly explores themes of religious dogma versus personal freedom, the heavy burden of family expectations, and the moral complexities surrounding reproductive rights. Marysia’s struggle for autonomy, Jan’s ethical dilemmas, and Piotr’s quest for identity converge in a poignant narrative that challenges and engages the audience.