World Premiere: 27 March 2026
Author: Rebecca Solnit
Title: Men Explain Things to Me
Translator: Anna Dzierzgowska
Director: Klaudia Gębska

Auditorium: Studio Stage
Running time: 1 hour 45 min, no interval

Tickets | more info →

full-price ticket:
95 PLN

discount ticket:
75 PLN

rush ticket:
35 PLN

students at state-run art schools: 
15 PLN 

Men Explain Things to Me

The next young name on the National Stage bill this season belongs to a director who graduated from the Krakow Academy of Theatre Arts. She has made quite a splash in the theatre world.

Klaudia Gębska has already won several awards and distinctions, and her subsequent productions are being transferred to the Polish Radio Theatre and Television Theatre. At the National Theatre, she will stage the play Men Explain Things to Me, based on the most famous collection of essays by Rebecca Solnit – an author who supported the #metoo movement and inspired the term "mansplaining." To balance this critical perspective, another award-winning and popular young artist, Mariusz Gołosz, will be co-responsible for the adaptation. The world premiere of the text will take on International Theatre Day, March 27, 2026.

The character of Rebecca is not a realistic portrayal of Rebecca Solnit, but merely a character type typical of the theatrical convention adopted by the creators of the production. She should not be identified with the real author of the book.


The character of Rebecca is not a realistic portrayal of Rebecca Solnit, but merely a character type typical of the theatrical convention adopted by the creators of the production. She should not be identified with the real author of the book.

Show recommended for ages 16+.
Please mind: the performance addresses the topic of sexual abuse (describes rape) and uses profanity. There are effects using smoke.

Please mind: due to the layout of the stage, late spectators will not be allowed in the audience. Please arrive at the show several minutes in advance.

director: Klaudia Gębska
stage adaptation: Mariusz Gołosz, Klaudia Gębska 
screenplay: Mariusz Gołosz
dramaturgy: Mariusz Gołosz, Patryk Kozłowski
set, costume and light design: Julia Furdyna, Zofia Tomalska
music: Olga Pasek
choreography: Magdalena Kawecka
director's assistant: Katarzyna Kłosowska
stage managers: Katarzyna Kłosowska / Adam Borkowski (April 29, 30 / May 1, 2)
prompter: Anna Leszczyńska

Cast

Production team

  • lighting technicians: Bartłomiej Frysztak, Kacper Bobylak
  • sound technicians: Piotr Gos, Marek Wojtulanis


Adapted from Men Explain Things to Me by Rebecca Solnit
Copyright © 2014 Rebecca Solnit

Rebecca Solnit's book Men Explain Things to Me, translated by Anna Dzierzgowska, was published
by Karakter Publishing House.

Licence for this stage production was granted by the Society of Authors – ZAiKS.

Gallery

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Zuzanna Saporznikow (Agnieszka), Kinga Ilgner (Magda), Patrycja Soliman (Padawan), Aleksandra Justa (Rebecca), Anna Lobedan (Cassandra), Edyta Olszówka (Kamila). Phot. Karolina Jóźwiak

Plakat spektaklu MĘŻCZYŹNI OBJAŚNIAJĄ MI ŚWIAT Rebekki Solnit w reż. Klaudii Gębskiej, projekt: Ola Jasionowska, opracowanie: Elipsy / Archiwum Artystyczne teatru Narodowego
Poster design: Ola Jasionowska
Developed by: Elipsy
 

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