Opening Night: 25 April 2026
Author: Olga Tokarczuk
Title: Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead
Original Title: Prowadź swój pług przez kości umarłych
Director: Ewa Platt

Auditorium: Boguslawski Hall
Running time: 2 hours, no interval


Tickets | more info →

full-price ticket:
140 PLN

discount ticket:
95 PLN

rush ticket:
50 PLN / price valid from 1 September 2026: 55 PLN

students at state-run art schools:  
15 PLN 
email: 

Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead

As one of the most acclaimed books by Polish Nobel laureate Olga Tokarczuk, this multi-layered story explores both the most mundane things as well as that which is written in the stars. 

Janina Duszejko, the main character, is a person of extraordinary empathy, an empathy which she directs primarily towards those most vulnerable things that fall victim to human actions: animals. Standing on the boundary between life and death, she watches a bloody retaliation unfold against her former tormentors. And we watch too. But are we actually capable of assessing the truthfulness of this account?

This story of a human being who passes away but leaves behind, above all else, moving stories, was brought to the stage of the National Theatre by Ewa Platt – a young director who has already shown audiences she is a specialist in exploring the darkness of the human soul.

Recommended for ages 16+
Please note: The play deals with themes of hunting, animal suffering, illness, and death. This production also features loud gunshots, profanity, and scenes of nudity.
Please be advised: Due to the non-standard stage layout, latecomers will not be admitted. Please arrive at the theatre at least 15 minutes before the performance begins.
Accessibility notice: Due to the unique stage layout, patrons with special needs or wheelchair users are kindly requested to contact the National Theatre in advance (+48 22 69 20 604, +48 22 69 20 664) to book suitable seating. Please note that entry will not be possible without a prior reservation.

Director: Ewa Platt
Stage Adaptation: Miłosz Markiewicz, Ewa Platt
Dramaturgy: Miłosz Markiewicz
Set and Costume Designer: Anna Rogóż
Composer: Dominik Ossowski
Lighting Designer: Antoni Grałek
Director's Assistant / Prompter: Magdalena Markowska
Stage Manager: Krzysztof Kuszczyk

Cast

Production team

  • Lighting Technicians: Zbigniew Szulim,  Bartłomiej Kaczalski, Krzysztof Łukasz Stefan
  • Sound Technicians: Marek Szymański, Hubert Majewski, Mariusz Maszewski 

Licences for this stage production was granted by Olga Tokarczuk and Literarchia Ltd., as well as by the Society of Authors – ZAiKS.

Gallery

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Dominika Kluźniak (Janina Duszejko). Phot. Przemysław Jendroska

Plakat spektaklu PROWADŹ SWÓJ PŁUG PRZEZ KOŚCI UMARŁYCH Olgi Tokarczuk w reż. Ewy Platt, ilustracja: Jakub Woynarowski, opracowanie: Elipsy / Archiwum Artystyczne teatru Narodowego
Illustration: Jakub Woynarowski
Developed by: Elipsy

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