Krzysztof Skiba Cultural Studies Specialization: Theatre Index nr 58490/S

Happenings by the Orange Alternative An attempt to document the actions

I dedicate this work to the Citizen Militia (MO) without participation of which, the Orange Alternative's happenings would not achieve the presented scope

Master thesis written under supervision of Dr Sławomir Świontek, Institute of Theory of Film and Theatre Literature at the University of Łódź Chapter 1

ROOTS OF THE ORANGE ALTERNATIVE

1

The roots of the Orange Alternative reach to the year 1980 in which the Movement for New Culture [Ruch Nowej Kultury] was formed in the academic circles of Wrocław. The movers and shakers of the movement were two students of Wrocław's colleges: the University of Wrocław and the State Higher School of Plastic Arts [Państwowa Wyższa Szkoła Sztuk Plastycznych]. Actions undertaken by the Movement for New Culture took a form of public happenings and, according to their organizers, were “an attempt to surmount a man's isolation in the industrial world”. 1 The action initiating the Movement's presence took place in the streets of Wrocław's Old Town in October 1980. The Movement's sympathizers organized a march-demonstration under a slogan “Away with symmetry, long live free imagination”. During the following action “Flower for a militiaman” 2 buckets of flowers were handed out to police patrols. In April 1981 the Movement for New Culture along with the Independent Student Union (Niezależny Związek Studentów or NZS], inspired by similar Easter marches taking place in Western Europe, undertook to organize a “Peace March”. However the march finally did not take place. It was called off under pressure from the Independent Self-governing Labor Union [NSZZ] “Solidarność”.3 Instead of the march, a meeting took place on the Olympic Stadium in Wrocław with the participation of “The Teatre of Rain” and groups such as “Happy Grass” and “Laboratorium”. The Movement for New Culture published its own newspaper - “Gazeta A” [Gazette A].4 Members of the Movement attempted to use reforms of August 1980 to spread anarchist and counter-cultural tendencies. Upon their initiative the “Anarchist-Counter-cultural Point Saturator” and the “Section for Rationing of Deficit Consumer Products” were born. The “Section...” began its activity by distributing toilet paper rolls in Wrocław's streets.5 In the beginning of November 1981 the Movement for New Culture joined student strikes in Wrocław's colleges. The Building of the Department of Philosophy began to be called as “Fort nr 1” and started to be considered as the main headquarters of the Movement. “Councils of Orange Revolution” were formed. One of them, active at the State Higher School of Plastic Arts issued the following proclamations:

“PROCLAMATION nr 1” Free art is the only and the most dangerous form of fight with the reality of things and the reality knows it.” “PROCLAMATION nr 2” Since the reality is the most terrible and most dangerous enemy of a man, schizophrenia is the trench of the highest quality. Away with intellectual art. Long live socialism as the highest quality work of comics art. Hurray Sorbovit! The Revolution's staff consists of the roof - the natural highest authority.”

These proclamations appeared in the newspaper “The Orange Alternative” which was published by the Movement's members during the strike. Its vignette was decorated by the appeal “Proletarians of all countries – be beautiful”. The style of the newspaper, which became the forum for unrestrained creativity of the students led to a conflict with the Strike Committee which demanded to censure “The Orange Alternative”. This intention was furthermore confirmed by the Resolution of The University Strike Committee, in which we can read among others that “.... in view of the higher aims of the strike, for the time of its duration it is forbidden /by the Strike Committee – mine/ to print the Movement for New Culture's newspaper, “The Orange Alternative” without prior censorship.” Editors of the paper and the Movement's sympathizers moved to the building occupied by the students of the State Higher School of Plastic Arts. In this more conducive to artistic expression environment the Movement's members organized next actions/ They were a continuation of artistic events initiated still while at the University. According to Waldemar Fydrych, one of the earlier actions organized still at the University took the following course: “Forces of order arrived in teams at the Philosophy Department Building and took out ladders and brushes in an attempt to paint over the posters placed on the building at the level of the first floor. Then, in the windows of the Philosophy edifice students leaned out. Everyone began to chant “The Internationale” forcing the order teams to withdraw. Photo cameras with blinding flashes were used, but also it was foreseen to use slide projectors with slides representing the image of Mona Lisa.6 Proclamation of the Martial Law interrupted the Movement's activity. The Movement for New Culture as the only creation brought to life by the August political thaw was consistently dedicated to the issue of Art. It undertook a wide in scope action to take Art into the streets and it attempted to liberate and expose the creative factor which broke barriers of academic habits. The movement was engaging a few number of persons, and the dominating figure was Waldemar Fydrych. The aim of the Movement was to free the people from that narrowly perceived rationalism of life, pulling them out of lethargy and despair, and discharging the pressure due to deepening feeling of nonsense and doubt which overpowered the young generation of Poles.

2

After December 13th 1981 the Movement for New Culture ceased to formally exist. Its place was taken by the “Military Academy of Arts”. Conformably with the conspiring lingo adopted by its members, the function of the Commandant-Rector in the Academy was held by Waldemar Fydrych. The members communicated between themselves in a self-invented jargon of “social surrealism” which was permeated with irony and pastiche. The grotesque character of the group was underlined by the fact that the members of the Academy considered themselves as being parts of a conspiring organization and therefore obliged themselves to military discipline with its own, becoming system of orders and dispatches. Goals of the Academy were as follows:

1. To entice the society to make slogans [anti-regime – note of translator], in order to increase the number of paint spots [ made to cover them by forces of order – note of translator], and in consequence to enhance the graphic aspect of the city. 2. To increase the number of dwarves in the graphic aspect of the city in order to cause the transformation of quantity in quality in accordance with the aesthetic convention of socialist surrealism. 3. To cause the presence of three-dimensional dwarves in streets and factories and to make the surrealist social revolution.7

Within the scope of the “Chair of Tactical Painting” headed by him Waldemar Fydrych began to paint dwarves on Wrocław city walls. Dwarves appeared on white blotches with which the authorities dotted building elevations when covering up Solidarity slogans with paint. At a later date Waldemar Fydrych and friends painted dwarves also in Warsaw, Łódź, Poznań, Gdańsk, Szczecin, Kraków, and Katowice. In consequence the dwarf became the Orange Alternative's identifying symbol and slogan. After dwarves, city walls had also appearing on them militant surrealist slogans, ironic sentences, poems, comics and above all templates - “artistic hole in space” = the most popular and striking form of graphics.8 Actions of the Military Academy of Arts equally abounded with street actions. One of them consisted of placing mock, cardboard made police patrols at Wrocław street corners . The most popular at the time of the Martial Law were the so-called “whistling actions”. Their course was as follows: at a given place, somewhere where people could easily gather, for example in front of a shop, cinema, at a street corner or in an underground street passage the Military Academy of Arts members would appear carrying with them a banner with some surrealist content. Using plastic whistles they would try to capture the attention of pedestrians. The first major street action organized by the Academy was the happening “Tubes” in October 1986. It took place on the Old Market Square in Wrocław and was an attempt to recall the Martial Law atmosphere. For this smoke candles and burning paper tubes were used.

3

After 1985, an agreement of college student self-governments was made in Wrocław. It was commonly called “The Tvelve.” The Twelve was an informal association sympathizing with the opposition. Its entourage wanting to stimulate and develop activities of anarchist student groups organized several actions which had clear aspects of happenings. One of them was the “Ride to Ślęża” in March 1987. The motto of the ride was “Smile, for tomorrow will only be worse”. Happening was organized in a form of a tourist excursion, in which about 70 persons took part. Participants carried signs saying “We distance ourselves from destructive incitations, instigators, and academic enemies”, “Writers to pens, students to study, polish to shoes”, “We want Gorbatchev”, “Students go to Madagascar”. Participants of the ride were equipped with halberds, sabres, rakes and plastic machine guns, butts and scarves with the inscription: “Veterans of the Great Patriotic War”.for their dangerous service (...)”9. Another idea of the “Dwunastka” (“Twelve”) was a drive-around at city streets in a bus rented for the Wrocław Admirers Society. On the bus, which happened to be a convertible one, the participants set a banner with a slogan “RELIABILITY shall prevail” (SOLIDNOŚĆ zwycięży). Students, dressed as a secret police, were greeting passer-bys and scattered single pages of “One Year in a Coffin” („Rok w trumnie”), a book written by Roman Bratny. As they were passing the zoological garden, participants were chanting: “Lock the bear”, “Release the fox”. Twenty people were detained by the Militia. Another event by “The Twelve”, held on 1 April 1987, was the parody of a collective deed (“Subbotnik”). The event took place at the courtyard of the university. On the very same day a group of people, led by Waldemar Fydrych marched towards the fair trade hall. With pots on their heads and forks and knives in their hands, participants formed a procession, as the drums were playing. “The march was stopped in front of the Voivodeship National Council edifice by another artistic group. Getting off their vehicles they immediately took up activities typical of literary people: opened notepads, flashed pens. Stunned trams stopped stock-still in the middle of Grunwaldzki Bridge.” Both the New Culture Movement (Ruch Nowej Kultury), the Military Academy of Art (Wojskowa Akademia Artystyczna)as well as circles connected with “ The Twelve” created the favourable atmosphere for taking up activities that may be referred to as political performances and happenings on a larger scale. The experience gained this way resulted eventually in the happenings of the Orange Alternative. Chapter 2

THE ORANGE ALTERNATIVE IN WROCŁAW

“The Manifest on Social Surrealism”1 („Manifest Surrealizmu Socjalistycznego”) became an inspiration of street activities for the people previously connected with The New Culture Movement, Military Academy of Art or the milieu of the “Twelve”. The manifesto was written by the student of history and history of art at the University of Wrocław – Waldemar Fydrych. He emerged as a lead idealist and animator of a group, which was called the Orange Alternative. This name derived from the title of a magazine, published by the New Culture Movement during students’ strikes in 1981. The author of “The Manifest on Social Surrealism” stated that the reality should be perceived at a level of aesthetics. He was convinced that the absurd of reality makes it a work of art as it is. Such an outlook was helpful while happenings of the Orange Alternative were organized, as they were inspired by “The Manifesto”.

1 – “DWARVES IN PRL ” (PRL – Polska Rzeczpospolita Ludowa – People’s Republic of Poland)

The first action organized by the OA ( the Orange Alternative) was the happening called “Dwarves in PRL”. Two elements, which later became an identification mark of the OA activities, were included: - the venue took place at Świdnicka Street in Wrocław – which became a regular location of other happenings organized by the OA - it was preceded by publication of informative leaflets, posters as well as wall writings.

The happening, described by the Orange Alternative as a ‘meeting of children with international communist movement’, took place on 1 June, 1987. The leaflet also contained the following information: “(...) a dwarf, wearing a red cap (Polish “krasnoludek” contains the word krasny, derived from Russian “krassnyj” – red - translator’s note), or a folk wearing red caps is a worldwide and a local issue. (...). People have also been led to believe to be descended from dwarves and dryads, not apes’. The leaflet ended with the following call: ”... 1 June, 3 o’clock, Świdnicka street, near the clock’ and the postscript: ‘Do not be surprised that some of the dwarves will be as tall as Gulliver! This bizarre mutation is a result of an explosion in some nuclear power plant. Heavy isotopes from the plant were absorbed mostly by mushrooms and forest fruit – a delicacy of dwarves’. The leaflet included a manual of how to prepare a red cap. At 3 p.m. sharp a bizarre procession appeared in Szewska Street. A ‘big teddy bear, wearing black sunglasses and wrapped in a toilet paper’ stood out from the crowd of young people, dressed up as dwarves. They were chanting loudly such slogans as “Dwarves do exist”, “We are the dwarves” and “No freedom without dwarves”. The Militia intervened, detaining many participant of the march, who in return gave sweets to officers. A news correspondent of “The Culture” (“Kultura”) – a magazine issued in Paris, described the course of the happening in a following way: “The Militia that came to the venue were stupefied. It is far easier to break the regular demonstration than to detain people in red caps just for singing children’s songs. Perhaps they were surprised by the reaction of crowds – partly observers and partly involuntary participants of the venue. While “dwarves” were being escorted to the militia cars, many of the incidental passers-by tried to explain their despairing children, that dwarves are not welcome in the socialism. When the big teddy bear in black sunglasses was being ‘detained’, the crowds began to chant: “Arrest Winnie the Pooh”2. What should be particularly stressed is the fact that also militia became involuntary participant of the happening, named “Dwarves in PRL”. This was something unprecedented in previous such events.. A typical postulate of the happening era revolution assumed the need to liberate the people’s creative spirit, to eliminate the border between artists and non-artists. Initiated by the action described above, it became the foundation axis of subsequent happenings organized by the Orange Alternative.

2 – AWAY WITH CLUBBING (PRECZ Z U-PAŁAMI)

On the 1 August, 1987 another action of the Orange Alternative took place. It was named “Away with Clubbing” (“Precz z U-pałami “) (translator’s note: a word play in Polish, that may be understood as Down with the Heat. Devoid of U-letter at the beginning of ‘upałami’, the slogan turns into ‘Away with Clubbing’ or “Down with Batons” – the last word being a slang reference to the Militia) and this time no preceding information had been issued. At 2:00 p.m. the members of the Orange Alternative formed a row at the Wrocław Market Square. Each member had a successive letter of the title slogan attached to their shirt. When the first patrol of the Militia appeared at the Market, the U-letter person stepped out of the row, changing in this way the meaning of the slogan into “Away with Clubbing”. All the participants were detained by the Militia.

3 – WHO IS AFRAID OF A TOILET PAPER? (KTO SIĘ BOI PAPIERU TOALETOWEGO?)

On 1 October, 1987 when streets of Wrocław were a stage for the Open Theatre Festival (Festiwal Teatru Otwartego), the Orange Alternative organized the happening called: “Who is Afraid of a Toilet Paper?” A leaflet issued before the venue informed: “... in these days of Socialistic Surrealism conquering the world, a toilet paper has become a diplomatic protocol, a collector’s item of Polish hygiene. People love to scribble and draw the simplest marks. The socialism, with its extravagant distribution of consumer’s goods and eccentric public attitude had lifted the toilet paper onto the top of yearning. It is currently unavailable (...) So as to follow the world’s progressive ideas, let’s meet at Świdnicka Street (...). At 4:00 p.m. we take out the toilet paper and give away scraps to people.”3 At 4:00 p.m. sharp the members of the Orange Alternative turned up at the meeting point. They were carrying a banner with a slogan: “Even the government we can wipe”. At the forefront of the parade appeared one of the Orange Alternative supporters, dressed in a sugar paper bag. The participants of the venue were unrolling long bands of paper and gave away, as instructed, to passers-by. After several metres the Militia detained marchers. The happening, however, caused an effect that came close to absurdity. On that day the Militia arrested a number of accidental passers-by, whose only fault was carrying the roll of a toilet paper, gifted by members of the Orange Alternative. In fact, the red cap on a head or a roll of toilet paper were considered by the security authorities to be an offence against the law.

4 – A FLOWER FOR THE MILITIA (KWIATEK DLA MILICJANTA)

Another action of the Orange Alternative took place on 7 October, 1987 – the traditional holiday of MO (Milicja Obywatelska – Citizen’s Militia) and SB (Służba Bezpieczeństwa Security Service). As it was before, the happening took place at Świdnicka street. Members of the OA displayed a banner “We thank MO and SB for having a sense of humour”. Flowers were given to the Militia or put on the Militia vehicles. A part of the venue was laying the flowers on the ground so that they compose an inscription “MO” Simultaneously, at the nearby pedestrian crossing, other members of the OA, with faces painted in blue and with toilet paper bands inscribed with ORMO markings, began to control the pedestrian traffic. As soon as the green light went on, they started to hit pot lids making a cacophony of sounds, which confused passers-by. Anyone crossing the street at the red light was given previously prepared “honorary ticket”. When all the tickets were handed in, a toilet paper was unrolled across the street. All the participants of the venue were detained.

5 – DIRECT ACTION (AKCJA BEZPOŚREDNIA)

The last day of the Open Theatre Festival – 11 October, 1987 – was appointed for the happening called “A Direct Action”. It was preceded by issuing the leaflet saying: There is no God other than a toilet paper and Major4 is its Messenger (...). Standing in front of you is the collaboration of invincible “Al Fatah” jamahiriya and folk mujahideen. In the name of the Supreme we demand: release a roll of toilet paper for each hostage as soon as the first scuffle begins. Regimes fall apart, revolutions endure. Long live the Plasticine Liberation Organization. “A ku ku” (Colloquial saying the meaning of which is “What a surprise” – translator’s comment). Paper shall be victorious. C-1Group”.5 While official guests of the Festival were performing at Świdnicka Street, suddenly members of the OA appeared, dressed as “Palestinian Commando”. The “Commandos” interrupted the performance of Russian and Slovakian theatres, which to the audience seemed to be a part of a show, and then “interned” actors and several spectators. “Prisoners” were shackled with a toilet paper. The militia did not step in.

6 – MELON IN MAYONNAISE (MELON W MAJONEZIE)

The happening named “A melon in mayonnaise” took place on 12 October, 1987, the Polish Army Day. The action was preceded by the “Irregular Order no 4/53/87 – We, the Magnificence Commandant – Rector of the Ultra Academy, inform that as of 12 October a large-scale autumn military exercises are scheduled, under the code name “melon in mayonnaise”4. The main idea of this happening was expressed in a slogan: ‘Warsaw Pact – the Vanguard of Peace”. More than two hundred participants were dressed up in clothes resembling military uniforms. They brought a a few mock-up tanks. The Militia intervened, supported by cadets of the Wroclaw Military Academy.

7 – WHO IS AFRAID OF A TOILET PAPER – EPISODE 2

The second part was held on 15 October. Before the venue the OA prepared two leaflets. One, called “Instruction for WUSW” was addressed to the employees of Voivodeship Bureau of Internal Affairs (WUSW – Wojewódzki Urząd Spraw Wewnętrznych), and contained following instructions: “4:00 p.m. – begin ID check 4:03 p.m. – invite to “Nyskas” ( – “Nyska” – a popular van-type vehicle, used by the Militia - transaltor’s note) 4:05 p.m. – detain people with a tail and listen to the chanting “Sto lat” (Happy Birthday – translator’s note) 4:10 p.m. –captivate veterans ...”

Another leaflet was a scenario for those willing to take active part in the happening. Included there was the following information: “Rookies – those who have not yet visited the Voivodeship Bureau of Internal Affairs – show up at 4:00 p.m. This is our front line. A second line - those who have already been to Voivodeship Bureau of Internal Affairs come at 4:05 p.m. Finally, 4:10 p.m. – time for WUSW Regulars (“Aunties of the Revolution ”) – the third line. At the very beginning of the venue we discreetly (as if bribing ) hand in paper. (...) then – during the second phase - we fix ourselves “tails”. Those who took part in the happening followed the instructions. Arriving at Świdnicka Street they had “toilet paper badges” stuck to their lapels, left alone toilet paper tails attached to back. Someone was carrying a banner that said: “R.I.P. Sanitary Towels and Toilet Paper“. In the course of action some unexpected incidents occurred, like the one with a scuba diver crossing Świdnicka Street. This is the conversation of the Militia officers recorded in their vehicle: Question: “There’s a guy in a diver’s suit walking across the street. What do we do?” Reply: “Grab him just in case”6. The detained scuba diver headed for a wedding of a friend from the Scuba Divers’ Club and was not in any way involved in the happening. Equally bizarre incident was described by Paweł Kasprzak in the independent literary quarterly “Brulion” (Notebook): “A few days after some happening the guy with skis appears at Świdnicka. It’s early autumn – too early for skiing. He might have just picked up skis from the servicing or had just bought them, hell knows. The police carded him every couple of minutes, asking the HQ what to do with a poor winter sports lover.7 Second episode of “Who Is Afraid Of A Toilet Paper” ended up with 68 detainees.

8 –THE EVE OF REVOLUTION (WIGILIA REWOLUCJI)

The initiator and organizer of the OA previous events was Waldemar Fydrych. Before the subsequent happening members of the Orange Alternative brought into existence the “Council of People’s Commissars” (Rada Komisarzy Ludowych), which included the most dedicated and meritorious members of the movement: Krzysztof Albin, Oskar Bielecki, Dariusz Duda, Robert Jezierski, Krzysztof Jurski, Paweł Kasprzak, Robert Kaźmierczak, Jacek Kielar, Dominik Łapieński, Małgorzata Olewińska, Robert Prus, Józef Pinior, Marek Szwad, Andrzej Tracz, Jarosław Wardęga Małgorzata Waśkiel, Paweł Zwatrzko. They began to prepare a happening called “The Eve of Revolution”, scheduled on 6 November, 1987. It took almost three weeks to complete all the preparations, but it resulted in one of the most spectacular event of all. As usual, the happening was preceded by the informative leaflet. COMRADES!!! The anniversary day of the Great October Socialist Revolution is the day of a Supreme Venue. Currently the Revolution Day is celebrated without its Eve. Comrades, it is time to break the passivity of the folk. Let us celebrate the Eve of the October Revolution. Let’s gather on 6 October, Friday, at 4:00 p.m., Świdnicka Street, under the “clock of the history”. Comrades, put on your red apparel: red shoes, cap, scarf (...). If all else fails, you may buy a red baguette with ketchup. On that day we, the Reds (red faces, hair, trousers and lips) gather at 4:00 p.m. under the clock”. The happening was intended to have a following course: “At the beginning turns up the spirit of historical materialism – “Potiomkin” battleship, then “Aurora” cruiser, finally the mock assault on the Winter Palace starts, and in the long last – carol singers carrying a red star appear. The formation of Red Cavalry are designated to lead the great victory parade. A nearby bar “Barbara” for that day becomes a Winter Palace”8. A detailed plan of action was prepared by the Council of People’s Commissars. The following groups were set up: “Aurora”, “Potiomkin”, “Proletariat”, “Konnica Budionnego (Budnionny’s Cavalry)”, and “Piechota (Infantry)”. The first “victim” of the happening was a red-painted cardboard maquette of “Potiomkin” battleship – destroyed by the Militia as it was being carried by the members of the OA. At 4:05 p.m., as planned in the instruction, another group, carrying the mock-up of the “Aurora” cruiser, emerged from the “Merkury” department store. Like before, the Militia stepped in. As time was passing by, other participants were gradually appearing. This time it was “The Infantry”, equipped with whistles and plastic toy-guns. Meanwhile, the Militia were detaining anyone wearing a red apparel, as required by the happening schema. Like the previous ones, this happening was abounding with completely unexpected incidents: “(...) for a short moment both clashing groups freezes motionless, as a black man emerges from the underground passage. Wearing a red beret he is walking near Militia’s vehicles. Everyone gets rooted to the spot and look in astonishment, while the African is heading towards the Square. Finally, he disappears and after a few moments the battle starts again”.9 At 4:15 the “Proletariat” group runs out of the bus. They were dressed in T-shirts saying: “I will work more” and “Tomorrow will be better” and were carrying banners with such slogans as: “We demand rehabilitation of Lew Trocki – the creator of the Red Army” or “We demand and 8-hour working day for the WUSW”. They were all detained by the Militia. Another group – “Budionny’s Cavalry” – arrived at 4:30 p.m. to Świdnicka Street. “Riding on cardboard horses” they reached “Barbara” bar, where they were stopped by the Militia. The idea of the happening was to make it look as a “children’s war games”. As intended by the organizers, the Militia, taking preventive steps towards the participants of the happening, unwillingly became a part of it themselves, playing the role of a “White Guard”

9 – THE REFERENDUM SUPPORT RALLY (WIEC POPARCIA DLA REFERENDUM)

Organized on 29 November, 1987, the happening called “A referendum support rally” became a commentary to the current political events.10 One of the leaflets appealed: “Citizens! People of Wrocław” Barely yesterday the situation of each one of us was unclear, but today the authorities reach out a helping hand. The present and the following days become a clear “YES” for us! DEAR FRIENDS! Let us all honestly say YES, TWO TIMES YES FOR THE REFERENDUM, one YES from each voter. YES! Down with reaction, down with egoism, ours is the referendum, the price is irrelevant. YES! Let us march to support this glorious folk festivity. We meet on Friday, 29 November, 1987, at 4:00 p.m., under the clock”. When the time came the people appeared. They were carrying banners with slogans “Today’s referendum makes tomorrow’s wealth”, “Everyone in Wrocław – go to ballot - boxes”. The members of the OA were dressed up as big, living ballot - boxes, and mock voting cards, previously prepared, were thrown into their inside”. “There was a moment when dressed-up people started to run around for fear the Militia may attack them. The ballot-boxes were in fact cubes, with only a head of a person sticking out of it. The police had a hard time trying to catch them – they were so big and angular”. Nonetheless, almost 150 people were arrested by the Militia, and the happening turned into a regular political manifestation. “This event was an example of a political happening, the first of such type in activities of the Orange Alternative. Prior to that, the supporters of the movement had not engaged into any actions of a political nature and stood aside the official political course”.

10 – SANTA CLAUS (ŚWIĘTY MIKOŁAJ)

The subsequent happenings of the Orange Alternative brought increasingly more spectators at Świdnicka Street. After the “Eve of the Revolution” and “Referendum Support Rally” the popularity grew so much, that when the new event – “Santa Claus” was announced – the crowds were in hundreds. Traditionaly, a leaflet informed: “Santa Clause at Świdnicka. Every year, when the winter night draws near, and the leaves are covered by a fluffy bed of snow, HE walks out from behind the Christmas tree in his cottage, with a huge bag on His back. The whiteness crunches under His feet, as he walks hunched by all heavy presents for children (...). This year is exceptionally busy for Santa, especially in those places that need smiles and gifts. This is why He will come to Wrocław with His comrades: other Santas, Teddy Bears and skittish Dwarves (...). Dear Passer-by, take a chance to get a jolly gift. As we look at the current affairs, we might have to tighten a belt to make it all better. Let’s welcome Santa at Świdnicka on 7 December at 4:00 p.m. Let us not be lonesome. Let us dress as Santa Claus (...) bring Christmas bulbs and spruce twigs to decorate the underground passage...”. Just before 4:00 p.m. a member of the OA appeared at Świdnicka Street. Instead of a present bag, however, he had another prop fixed to his back – a stabbed toy axe. Another participant was made up as a devil. They both were carrying a banner, saying: “Santa Claus brings hope to reforms”. Other members of the OA, also dressed up as Santas, appeared at the signal of a hunting horn. They were all bound with a thick rope. Meanwhile, a considerable number of people, dressed as dwarves and teddy bears, were already walking at Świdnicka Street, which made the Militia so confused, that they started to detain anyone wearing Santa’s suit. As it had happened before, many unusual incidents occurred – a man dressed as Santa was arrested. It turned out, however, that he was advertising goods sold in State Department Store (Państwowy Dom Towarowy) and had nothing to do with the happening. As the colorful parade was marching towards the District Internal Affairs Bureau (DUSW – Dzielnicowy Urząd Spraw Wewnętrznych), the participants were giving out sweets. Thousands of people demanded to “set Santa Clauses free”, as they arrived near the building of DUSW. A few minutes later all detained people were released. “Santa Claus” was the last happening organized by the OA in 1987. On 23 December another minor action took place. It was the individual initiative of the OA movement supporter – Robert Prus. He came at Świdnicka Street with a banner, on which it was written: “Release Carps. Shut the Big Fish”. In January 1988 Waldemar Fydrych was awarded by the Committee of Independent Culture (Komitet Kultury Niezależnej) for “staging happenings in Wrocław”.

11 – RIO-BOTNICZY CARNIVAL (KARNAWAŁ RIO-BOTNICZY)

(the name being a combination of “Rio de Janeiro” and the word “robotniczy”- “working- class” – translator’s note). Not only members of the Orange Alternative or the Militia were parts of the happening. Quite often the initiative was taken by people who happened to be at the place of a venue by chance rather than intentionally. Such incident took place on 16 February, 1988, during the happening named “Rio-botniczy Carnival”. It was preceded by the leaflet: “HOCUS – POCUS or a herring at Odra” A great carnival at Świdnicka (...). On 16 February come to Świdnicka Street for so-called “Herring at 4:00” (wearing suit and tie). Wear your best smart clothes!!! Let’s rejoice!!! This time, after so many successful happenings, the Militia will not dare to touch us. We will make a few magic tricks and the Militia will be polite (...). Long live priests, secret agents, angels, cardinals, opposition, militia and madmen!!! Your discretion is absolutely guaranteed by a mask. You will be unrecognizable – make a mask or buy one. When anonymous, you will be open to a cheerful folly (...). The carnival parade will start at the right time - 4:00 p.m. Don’t be late, as you are expected. The plan is simple. First the inspection at the stairs near the bar, then we unroll the banner “More carnival, more games, more nuts”(Polish ‘jaja’ may mean both ‘eggs’ or a weird and usually funny situation – translator’s note) and others. Acoustic sounds soon after, and then forming the procession. And then...marching forward (...). Approved chants during the venue: “Viva carnival” “Hocus Pocus” “Sto lat (Happy birthday)” Bring your radio as well. Or a tape recorder with a cool music (...). The Secret Organization “Samba” HOKUS POKUS This happening attracted the biggest number of people hitherto –more than five thousand people were present. The “carnival” was supposed to begin at the trumpet signal, to be played by Waldemar Fydrych. Just as the happening was about to start, the Militia detained him. “At 4:00 p.m. Świdnicka Street is filled by mostly young people. Spectators are looking through windows. The Militia have been waiting since the morning, their vehicles stick their noses out of side streets”11. The organizers of he happening prepared several banners with different slogans, such as: “Open the borders – we run to Calgary”, “Rio – Las Vegas - Wrocław”. All those banners were destroyed by the Militia. The same thing happened to a huge doll wearing black sunglasses. It wore the military uniform with a sign: “The 6th stage of a reform –let’s love one another”. The most visible among the participant are people dressed in working uniforms, the group that symbolises apartheid., “members” of Ku-Klux Klan, sportsmen, a miner giving out the coal, the “Wolf” and the “Red Riding Hood” as well as Teddy Bear armed with a machine gun.” Turoń (big, hairy monster, traditionally appearing in Polish Christmas festivities – translator’s note) and the Penitent, dressed in a sack, unroll the banner: Second stage of the reform – carnival Third stage – Ash Wednesday”12 Young people dancing in the street were chanting: “Long live the Smurfs”, “Hocus-Pocus”, “Teddy Bear”. The happening lasted two hours, during which the Militia were detaining the most active participants. The following day many local newspapers condemned the venue in articles, with such headlines: “Bollocks”(„Głupie jaja”) – The Polish Word („Słowo Polskie”) “It was not Las Vegas” – “Wrocław Evening” (Wieczór Wrocławia), “The End of the Carnival” – Labourers’ Voice („Głos Robotniczy”). The keynote in all the articles was the attempt to justify a brutal action of the law enforcing units . “The Militia could not let that slapstick to be continued. The intended joy turned out to be a primitivism”13. Aldona Krajewska in her article “The Carnival Of The Street In Grey” presented a different view at the venue: “I rubbed my eyes. I wasn’t sure if I saw it or not. I would be glad to know why suddenly the word “slapstick” is so popular among the journalists in Wrocław. The same word was mentioned by one of the Militia officers, explaining how things are different in Poland (...). Indeed, dispersing people is the only way here, especially if walking on streets brings such an awe to the Militia as if it concerned the teenage virgin”.14

12 – THE DAY OF A SECRET AGENT (DZIEŃ TAJNIAKA)

As usual, before the happening a leaflet had been issued. It announced the “Day of a Secret Agent”, scheduled on the 1 March. It said: “Are you interested in how the WUSW operates? Then come at Świdnicka Street near “Barbara” bar, where the ceremony will be held on the occasion of the International Day of a Secret Agent. (...) Take a bugging equipment, trumpet, funnel or a microphone (...) All lovers of the Scotland Yard are requested to bring smoking pipes (...) Be natural and ask passers-by for ID. Move your lapels – a place for a badge. Should you be asked into a vehicle – go on! It is your natural environment!”. No banners were unrolled this time. The supporters of the Orange Alternative turned up at Świdnicka Street, dressed in black coats and hats. They strictly followed instructions included in another leaflet : “SECRET CIRCULAR LETTER no 0031/745 SB On the occasion of the First International Day of the Secret Agent, appointed on the 1 March, 1988 the combined forces of SB, FBI, KGB, SECRET SERVICE and other secret services will: 1 – Observe and follow passers-by 2 – Send information through hidden transmitters (only antennas may stick out) 3 – Create a unit of three or four people and make passers – by show their IDs, note down the personal data 4 – Set up units of three or four people, standing in a distance from one another and make secret signs such as: - scratching a nose - blinking - lighting a cigarette - folding and unfolding newspaper - putting the hat on and off. (...) ”- 10 – When questioned by the Militia, WE DO NOT RESIST (...)”. The Militia intervened, detaining people with badges of FBI, SB and KGB. Before they were arrested (and in some cases - after the detention), “secret agents” transmitted messages to the “Headquarters” through “invisible microphones” about their current situation .

13 – THE RALLY DEVOTED TO THE MARTYRDOM OF THE POLISH MOTHER (WIEC POŚWIĘCONY MARTYROLOGII MATKI POLKI)

In March, 1988 Polish Workers’ Party (Polska Partia Robotnicza - PPR), became increasingly active. The Party was a fraction of the Orange Alternative and it was established in autumn of the previous year On 8 March the PPR organized the rally devoted to the “Martyrdom of the Polish Mother”. At 3:30 p.m., near the students’ cafe “Cuba” one of the PPR founders – Krzysztof Albin – tied himself with a chain and locked it to the fence with a padlock. He was dressed in black leather coat, with a PPR band around his arm. His hair was painted red. After scattering white violets he declared: “PPR loves! Each and every one of you! We wish you all the best on this momentous day (...) And even more so since the Soviet scientists proved Karol Marks to have been a woman as well Let us honour the memory of the woman of all times, Karol Marks, with the exclamation: A Woman, A Communism, A Coca-Cola! (...)” Just as he had finished his speech, Krzysztof Albin was arrested by the Militia. He was charged with a disturbance of the public order and given a 30.000 zlotys or 60 days of custody. Krzysztof Albin defended himself against the charges. This is the record of his defense speech, written by a clerk of the court during the case in a Magistrate for Minor Offences, in the course of the evidentiary proceedings: “(...) I do not accept the sentence (...) After 3:00 p.m. I was at Szewska Street, near “Cuba” cafe. I was attached to the fence with a chain and I had a red band with PPR letters. The objects shown (the chain and the band) are theatrical props used for a street performance, the content of which was connected to the questions of a human existence authenticity in the current world. I refuse to answer the question if my conduct caused the disturbance of the public order and whether it caused the illegal assembly, since at that time I was focused on my theatrical role (...) ”15 After detention of Krzysztof Albin, other members of the PPR – Waldemar Fydrych, Paweł Kasprzak and Jacek Kudłaty appeared at Szewska Street. They were carrying the gigantic imitation of the sanitary napkin. They were also giving out napkins to women walking nearby and before long they were all detained by he Militia. A Magistrate for Minor Offences sentenced Waldemar Fydrych to two months of custody. The other two were given a financial fine. “(...) a detention of the Orange Alternative leader did not bring results the authorities expected. The movement has simply begun to live its own life, its pace is so fast that the authorities are not able to put a halt to it easily (...).16 The walls in Wrocław were covered with posters of a crying dwarf and a slogan: “Release the Major”. Members of the Orange Alternative were distributing a leaflet with a following content: “WAR ANNOUNCEMENT no 104-88 On 8 March, 1988, the Commando of the Orange Alternative fought a skirmish with forces of the Reaction, during which the Commando’s higher officer in the rank of Major has been taken a prisoner. We remember him as a brave leader of many victorious battles. He is also, similarly to Julius Caesar, reformer of the calendar. This is why the forces of Reaction, willing to hold the running time, stopped Major. He is currently being kept in a tower. We demand that he is recognized as a Prisoner of War and the appropriate status is granted to him!!! (...) As others called to ballot boxes, so we call for happenings to be made on behalf of Major and the keynote of the Orange Alternative!!! ” The Orange Alternative Council of Commissars”

14 – SPRING TIME AT ŚWIDNICKA (WIOSNA NA ŚWIDNICKIEJ)

On 21 March, 1988 members of the OA protested against the detention of Waldemar Fydrych. Responding to his arrest, they organized yet another happening, called: “Spring time at Świdnicka”. Several hundred participants, dressed in fancy costumes, took part in the event. It also attracted thousands of Wrocław inhabitants, that were chanting: “As the spring comes ‘round, Major is no longer bound” (“Wiosna przyjdzie, major wyjdzie”). Members of the OA were carrying three puppets with black sunglasses attached to them. The youth were dancing, scattering flowers at Świdnicka Street. The OA opened the Spring Marriage Agency. The Militia arrested 150 people. The continuation of the event took place in Warsaw, in front of the Interpress office. It was called “The Widows of Major”. At about 12:00, the time when press conference of Jerzy Urban would start, six young women from the OA dressed in black, began their protest against the detention of Waldemar Fydrych. All girls were arrested by the Security Service. On 29 March, 1988 an appeal case took place in the District Court of Wrocław. It issued a sentence of acquittal for Waldemar Fydrych. The final speech of the attorney is worth citing: “The totalitarianism does not begin when it is forbidden to assemble, but it begins when an authority requires to behave in a demanded way and poor is the one who does not conform.”17

15 – HEALTH CARE IN THE SERVICE OF THE NATION (SŁUŻBA ŻDROWIA W SŁUŻBIE NARODU)

On 7 April, 1988 people from the Orange Alternative, with Waldemar Fydrych again as a leader, organized the happening called: “Health Care In The Service Of The Nation”. It was the first happening without the presence of the Militia, which could the reason for regarding it as unsuccessful. At about 4:00 p.m. several people, dressed in white aprons, marched along Świdnicka Street towards the Market, chanting: “PCK (Polski Czerwony Krzyż - Polish Red Cross) – the evil name”, “Long live weirdos”. A huge several-metre syringe was placed under the pillory. The happening ended as the pillory was covered with a white linen. On 21 April the OA issued an announcement, traditionally in a form of a leaflet: It was the reaction for press comments regarding happenings organized in Wrocław:

“Dearly beloved In view of constant qualitative and quantitative transformation within dialectic surrealistic reality the Orange Alternative employs the following perception of the art and the world, which may be regarded as a main idea of our activities: - the character of our activities has a counter-cultural and alternative nature to the official course of a Polish culture - we act independently and broaden the range of freedom and spontaneity of human existence It is rather obvious that we stand close to any independent actions and reject the means and actions typical for the official forms of culture. See you soon with a smile upon the face”.

Wrocław, 21 April, 1988 The Orange Coordination Committee Major – Waldemar Fydrych Robert Jezierski, Małgorzata Olewińska, Andrzej Tracz, Dominik Łapieński, Robert Kaźmierski, Jarek Grabowski, Miłka Tyszkiewicz, Zenon Zegarski, Piotr Adamcio, Krzysztof Albin, Małgorzata Waśkiel, Paweł Zwatrzko, Robert Prus, Oskar Bielecki, Orfeusz Jakubiszyn, Ryszard Brzeski, Janek Wardęga and others”.

16 – “NA OSTROWIE” GALLERY EXHIBITION („WYSTAWA W GALERII NA OSTROWIE”)

Between 9 and 16 of May in the gallery “Na Ostrowie” (which is a part of the Wrocław Archdiocese Museum) an exhibition called “The Orange Alternative” took place. Retrospective in character, it summarized all previous actions of the movement. The organizer of the exhibition – Sławomir Monkiewicz - was also the author of works. The exhibition included not only photos of happenings, but also various artistic installations. The opening of the exhibition was the opportunity for the OA supporters to meet together. “The Victory Day of 1988 was already dark, when the exhibition of Sławomir Monkiewicz opened in the independent gallery in Wrocław “Na Ostrowie”. It was called “The Orange Alternative”. The venue began with the explosion of Culture Palace (Pałac Kultury) and the speech of PPR commissar, that delivered the socialistic- surrealistic message of Vladimir Ilyich Lenin “Of Strikes”. Having heard the vociferous indoctrination, more than one thousand lovers of a modern art gathered in a gallery began the contemplation of works, It included kicking TV sets covered in ash, admiring Stalin put into an egg, expressing indignation at the mannequins conceitedly dressed in uniforms of PRL armed forces, making attempts to ride a wheelbarrow with graphical works sunk in it (...). The photos of happening brought back all beautiful memories from Świdnicka Street, which was a cherry on top of the cake. The visitors were drinking orange milk to the music of Szostakiewicz.”18

17 – THE REVOLUTION OF DWARVES (REWOLUCJA KRASNOLUDKÓW)

Another happening prepared by the Orange Alternative took place on 1 June, 1988. It gathered an estimated number of more than ten thousand people. They were mostly attracted by the traditional leaflet: “Dear Friend!! After the year of absence the dwarves visit Świdnicka again. On 1 June they will bring us optimism, and prepare crowds of cooled people for the upcoming hot summer. (...) Also many smiles, guitar and singing. From the reliable source of the forest intelligence we received information that cute dwarves love to sway gigantic toadstools, ride roller skates and blow beautiful balloons (...). Open our hearts, let us be at peace. Give sweets to smiling Smurfs, decorate the underground passage with sweets hanging on threads. We stay at Świdnicka for exactly one hour and then we go, dancing on the streets of Old Town, to Słodowa Island (...). Wear orange clothes Long live the Revolution of Dwarves. Long live Smurfs!” At 4:00 p.m. first people dressed up as dwarves appeared. One of the OA members was throwing leaflets form the rooftop of “Barbara” bar. The parade of dwarves was getting bigger as they were marching towards the Market Square. The crowds, wearing red caps, were walking around the Market, chanting: “Vote for us”, “No freedom without dwarves”, “Jaruzelski is a Wawel Dragon” (“Jaruzelski Smok Wawelski”), “We want Jester (Śmieszek), not Wojcieszek ”. The markings of the OA, as well as pictures of dwarves and slogans: “Vote for Dwarves” were being painted on walls. “On the Children’s day, as anticipated and expected, a group of slightly older ”children” as well and students took part in traditional games and parties. Girls and boys, dressed up as dwarves, were walking joyfully and noisily towards the Market Square, expressing their likes and dislikes. Everything was very cool until some of the front marchers behaved as if the had been devoid of common sense by a Virgin Mary. They surrounded the Militia’s vehicle, always standing there just in case, and started to rock it and paint it. One on the dwarves jumped onto the car, shouting, at the applause of crowds, that finally the OA defeated the authority (...)”.19 After the incident the parade of “dwarves” went towards the University buildings through Kuźnicza Street and, passing the Market Hall arrived near the edifice of the Voivodeship Authorities Office. Members of the OA were giving out sweets to children. Soon later the colourful parade went to Słodowa Island. The happening concluded after the concert of the “underground song” by Krzysztof Jakubczak and the readout by Waldemar Fydrych.

18 – GREETING AT ŚWIDNICKA (POWITANIE NA ŚWIDNICKIEJ)

The day of 27 June, 1988 was the day when the court case of two Polish Socialist Party members – Józef Pinior and Czesław Borowczyk – began. They were arrested during strikes in “Dolmel” factory, in May. The beginning of the process was the reason to organize yet another happening, named “Greeting at Świdnicka”. Traditionally, the happening was preceded by issuing a leaflet that said: “A great summer exposition of the socialistic surrealism art will take place on 27 June. That day, at 8:15 in the morning, in room 101 of the Wrocław Fabryczna District Court a tremendous theatre play, entitled “The process of Józef P. and Czesław B.” will be held (...)... the climax will be held at Świdnicka Street. At 4:00 p.m. the next act of this splendid spectacle starts. It is under the title: “Pinior and Borowczyk are greeted under the Clock by Wrocław inhabitants (...)”. A few minutes past 4:00 p.m. the OA members unrolled banners with various slogans: “Release Pinior and Borowczyk”, “Where is the Militia?”, “Annex Wrocław to Armenia”, “Bread and eggs”. The participants of happening held portraits of Marx, Engels, Lenin as well as Pinior and Borowczyk. The event was conducted in a spirit of the socrealistic rally. Waldemar Fydrych, standing upon the improvised podium, read out his poem “Szkoda zbiorów (Crops/ Collection mischief). Provocative and orthodox message of the poem was similar in style to the writings of Watyk and Woroszylski. The rally ended near the statue of Aleksander Fredro, which was bound with red scarves.”

19 – A FLATLET AT ŚWIDNICKA (MIESZKANKO NA ŚWIDNICKIEJ)

On 18 July, 1988, at 5:00 p.m. the “Secret Housing Co-operative MATA – HATA” started its happening. Several members form the OA took part in the venue. As the happening had not been announced by leaflets, the audience was scarce. The action was meant to be an introduction to a much bigger venue: “FREE – DOM(dom=house), conducted in October 1988. On 18 July fourteen members of the Orange Alternative unrolled a carpet on Świdnicka Street and put chairs and camp beds on it. One of the participants read out the founding status of “Secret Housing Co-operative MATA – HATA” – “The accommodation is guaranteed for anyone who brings bed. Thanks to that the homelessness will disappear...”. All participants of the happening were detained by the Militia.

20 – BROTHERLY HELP FOREVER (BRATERSKA POMOC WIECZNIE ŻYWA)

Because of its nature, another venue was took place outside Wrocław. The traditional leaflet was distributed across the whole country. “BROTHERLY HELP FOREVER” 19 August is the 20th anniversary of the day, when a helping hand was reached to our brothers in Czechoslovakia who possessed by the illusion of the revisionism, took up the historical opportunity. They invited many friends, among which were our brave soldiers. With a little help from their friends, among which were our brave soldiers, they effectively rejected Dubczek’s damnable machinations (...). Twenty years have passed and again anti-socialist forces pose a threat to the supreme case. Let’s make a preemptive move and repeat this superb occasion on its 20th anniversary. Let’s close ranks and let us come forward with a great action. Let’s fulfill our brotherly duty and cross the Czechoslovakian border with a military equipment to again give a helping hand to our friends (...). Long live the Oranges Operational HQ Prussian Half-colonies 88.” The action was prepared very precisely and the news reached both the “Meeting of Controversial Youth” (Zlot Młodzieży Kontrowersyjnej) in Białogóra and Rock Music Festival in Jarocin. The independent movement “Freedom and Peace” – organizers of the Hyde Park in Białogóra – declared to participate in the happening and its members were propagating information in the counter-cultural circles. Very important for the venue was the meeting of the OA members with Czech youth at Jarocin festival. It was then settled that participants from Czechoslovakia will “attack from the southern slope of Mt Śnieżka. The informative leaflet did not mention the exact time of the “brotherly help”. As the preparation to the happening were in progress, the same was true for the Polish Border Protection Corps in Karkonosze mountains, as year 1988 was the time of their increased activity. The plan drawn by the OA assumed the meeting of Polish and Czech groups at the top of Mt Śnieżka. But the happening had not even started, when first arrests were made at the railway station in Jelenia Góra. It is hard to estimate the exact number of people taking part in the happening. There were two groups from Wrocław and one from Warsaw. Many people reached Mt Śnieżka on their own though. At 10:00 a.m., one group led by Waldemar Fydrych reached a chair lift onto Mt Śnieżka. People were equipped with a “military stuff” – helmets, headsets, gas masks, plastic toy guns. Also two other groups arriving at the venue were dressed as soldiers. The participants tried different methods and ways to reach the peak of Mt Śnieżka. Some of them used a chair lift, others attempted to cross the forest near the top of foot. A group of the OA members was detained near the chair lift by soldiers of the Border Protection Corps. Here is the eyewitness report by Robert Jezierski: “A moment later military vehicles drive down from up the hill. Armed soldiers jump out of cars. They run towards us, pointing the machine guns – felt like in a move scene. The captain orders –“Put down your weapon, take off the uniforms, throw everything here! We immediately sit down, grab each other’s hands and hold to the metal rails - total consternation”.

(...) the waiting is over. Enlarging area of action, we enable other groups to reach the peak (...). At a mark agree before we stand up (...)... a terrifying whiz of whistles resounds the moment later. This is tried and tested psychological weapon. At the bang of the cork toy guns we attack (...). There is several hundred metres between us and the top. We are running as fast as we can. Suddenly military vehicles appear, soldiers spring out from between mountain pines (...). They grab our people one after another and throw onto vehicles like potato sacks (...).20 Waldemar Fydrych, dressed in a samurai clothes, is one of the last detained. Like many others, he was taken to Jelenia Góra. The meeting of Polish and Czech groups was scheduled at 2:00 p.m. Luckily, some of the participants were not captured by soldiers ”(...) forty of our people are at the peak, as well as twenty Czechs, who arrived there without any obstacles. Twenty years ago their fathers were shooting at one another, today they are embracing (...). A moment later all Poles are thrown into vehicles and brought down...”21 This happening was one of the most spectacular and creative actions of the OA. Polish media did not inform about the events at Mt Śnieżka. However, the performance triggered an enormous impact in Western Europe and in Czechoslovakia. The happening ended, but its consequences were a lot more far-reaching, as it resulted in establishing so-called “Company in Aid of Merrier Reality” (Towarzystwo na Rzecz Weselszej Teraźniejszości) in Prague. Another group, inspired by the OA, was founded in Ostrava. 21 – FREE – DOM (dom = house, home) 21 October, 1988 was a day of another happening, titled ”FREE - DOM”. One of the preceding leaflets said: “How to tackle the problem of housing shortages? Świdnicka Street is becoming the construction site. Join us! Bring blankets, tilts, groundsheets (...). Accommodation guaranteed for anyone who brings bed”. “Secret Housing Co-operative Mata-Hata” At 4:00 p.m. members of the OA placed two round tables, a few chairs and a bed at Świdnicka. Young people who came for the venue also brought some chairs and stools, creating a kind of a “flatlet, equipped with a TV set and a phone. Passers-by were given jam sandwiches and milk. When one of the members started to give away oranges, a queue formed immediately and, strange as it was, even the Militia joined in. One of the street clocks was painted in orange colour and merely an hour later the parade moved the round table to the Market Square, where it was chopped into pieces.22 Such was the conclusion of this venue. All subsequent actions of the OA derived from their previous events or continued them in a way. For this reason I will concentrate in a greater degree on new elements, without paying so much attention to ideas similar to the ones previously presented. At the end of 1988 the Orange Alternative was awarded Andrzej Wajda’s private prize of “Ash and Diamond”. In 1989, Waldemar Fydrych was invited to the Independent Forum of Culture (Niezależne Forum Kultury) – the continuation of the Polish Culture Congress (Kongres Kultury Polskiej) suspended in 1981 by the martial law enforcement.

22 – REVOLUTION (REWOLUCJA)

The members of the OA decided to organize another happening commemorating the The Great October Revolution on 7 October. The youth gathered at Świdnicka Street were carrying banners: “By fighting against Coca-Cola, Hamburgers and Chewing Gum we build the Socialism”, “No Freedom without Responsibility”. The parade marched through Oławska and Szewska streets and reached the Market Hall – the seat of “cheats and the fortress of plungers.” People were chanting: “Down with Jobbery”, “Working class demands Adidas”. A few minutes later the parade stopped in front of the Philology Department of the Wrocław University. The crowd was shouting: “Colleges for everyone”, “Down with Tsarism of the Rectory”. The happening ended in front of the National Council edifice.

23 – “MARTIAL LAW” (STAN WOJENNY) and “A TOAST AT ŚWIDNICKA”(TOAST NA ŚWIDNICKIEJ)

Another happening organized by the OA took place on the eve of the Martial Law anniversary – on 12 December, 1988. In contrast with previous ones, this happening was rather unsuccessful, which could be expected taking into account the fact that some “worn-out” ideas and props were utilized (e.g. mock-ups of tanks). The happening received critical reviews in magazines connected with “Solidarność”, which was quite a surprising novelty.23 Equally unsuccessful was another action of the OA, performed on the last day of 1988. By means of a leaflet the OA invited people to come at Świdnicka Street and wish a Happy New Year to one another, however the response was very little. 24 – THE CARNIVAL

The next episode of previous year’s “Rio-botniczy Carnival”, was held on 7 February, 1989. What must be stressed with regard to past events organized by the OA was the fact that those happenings had predominately an entertaining character. A “happening” does not seem to be a proper reference to a second episode of the “Carnival”, as it was more similar to a festival of street theatres. About five thousand people were dancing and singing at Świdnicka and because it was held during winter holidays, many supporters of the OA came to Wrocław at that time.

25 – SPRING DAY – second edition (ŚWIĘTO WIOSNY)

21 March – the first day of spring – could not be missed by the OA. They organized winter farewell march, similar to a funeral. The procession of the OA members, dressed in black, was wearing a mock coffin. The happening was interrupted by the intervention of the Milita.

26 – THE ELECTION CAMPAIGN OF WALDEMAR FYDRYCH (KAMPANIA WYBORCZA WALDEMARA FYDRYCHA)

One of the most innovative actions, after the “Flatlet at Świdnicka”, was the happening that lasted over one month (from 1 May until 4 June, 1989). It was the election campaign of Waldemar Fydrych, who decided to run for a position of senator, as it was allowed by the new electoral law. On 1 May the campaign commenced with collecting signatures of support for Waldemar Fydrych – “the future Senator and President”. The actions convincing people of Wrocław to vote for a leader of the OA were held every day at Świdnicka Street. The Election Office was established, posters were printed. Two stages were raised at Świdnicka, from which Waldemar Fydrych was presenting his election programme: “Waldemar Fydrych – the only reasonable choice” (...) Stop wallowing in a hopeless dullness, sadness and deadly seriousness – it is cul-de-sac. A creative joy, optimism and self-confidence are the medicine that will defeat all serious diseases of our inner self.(...). Open, modern and earth-shattering presidential programme of “Major” is the campaign of a psychological revolution, of the future and of the new democracy (...). Orange major or a red general – the choice is yours!” The culmination moment of the election campaign was the Festival of a Present Art (FSO – Festiwal Sztuki Obecnej) in Wrocław , held from 1 to 2 June, 1989. Many rock groups from Wrocław played the concert at the festival. The group “Kult” and the branch of the Orange Alternative came from Warsaw, and from Łódź – Manic Activities Gallery and “Big Cyc” rock band. On 4 June – the Day of Elections – almost ten thousand people voted for the Orange Major, who nonetheless did not become a senator. What must be stressed though is the fact that in one of the closed electoral wards – the barracks of ZOMO (Zmotoryzowane Odwody Milicji Obywatelskiej - Motorized Reserves of the Citizens' Militia) Fydrych received the most votes – more than four thousand! The happenings of the Orange Alternative were aimed against the political, public and artistic limitations. Being a successful attempt to overcome the ubiquitous atmosphere of terror, present since the martial law was introduced, it was also the countermeasure to official political course. Joyful and positive in character, happenings presented the world, the shape of which depended entirely upon the creativity of participants. With regard to their subject-matter, happenings may be categorized as follows: - commenting the contemporary political events (“Referendum Support Rally”, “Greeting at Świdnicka”) - commenting historical political events (“The Eve of Revolution”, “Brotherly Help Forever”) - applying the fable symbolism to present allegories of the contemporary political life (“Dwarves in PRL”. “Santa Claus”) - breaking moral taboos (“Who is afraid of a toilet paper”, “The rally devoted to the Martyrdom of the Polish Mother”) - concerning social problems (“FREE - DOM”) - where the joy is a main topic (“Rio-botniczy Carnival”, “Spring time at Świdnicka”) - depicting the functioning of the state services (“International Day of a Secret Agent”, “Away with Clubbing”, “Melon in Mayonnaise”) Among the distinguishing features of the OA happenings were simultaneity, non-fabularity, public character, and street performing character.. The OA created surrealistic slogans or paraphrased the ones presented by the official propaganda. By overdrawing the meaning of such slogans the OA aimed at deriding it. Happenings have a sectional structure,24 which means that particular sections (events) of the happening do not compose a single plot. They may however be referred to as having the same symbolism. The character of the OA happenings was described by Waldemar Fydrych as a “sequence of bizarre situations”. In order to bring this sequence into existence, the following order of events is required: 1. A leaflet is issued – partly invitation and partly information about the reason and a course of a happening, including the instructions for participants. 2. Members of the OA turn up – they perform different actions in an attempt to draw the attention of the passers-by. 3. The attention of the crowds is drawn - people stop and observe the event. 4. The Militia appears – they check IDs and detain the participants of the happening. 5. More OA members turn up and prolong the venue. 6. The happening is broke with the Militia’s pacification. The above schema is simplified and it refers to the structure of actions which assumed the participation of the Militia in a venue (as a “White Guard” in “The Eve of Revolution”). In a later period the Militia were not included in a plan, as it was known that they will not turn up at a venue. In order to draw attention of a wider public, the events were embellished, which as a result led to their unnecessary monumentalisation (“The Carnival”, “The Festival of the Present Art”). Happenings were supplemented with their descriptions, in which Waldemar Fydrych utilizes the means of artistic creation, including not only the course of action but also reactions of passers-by, symbols, intended assumptions and further associations. The happenings of the Orange Alternative were planned in such a way that they assumed the presence and participation of the active audience. In order to ensure such presence, all actions were preceded by informative leaflets. The “core” group of organizers consisted of merely several people, but as the action developed and the audience joined in, the event was growing massive Sometimes being an active audience or participant meant doing very irrelevant thing – wearing the red cap (“Dwarves in PRL”) or a black coat and a hat – an “attribute” of a secret agent (“The International Day of Secret Agent”). Following the Waldemar Fydrych’s assumption that “even a single Militia officer at the street is a work of art,”25 the Militia was regarded as a integral participant of a happening. “As a single entity against the Orange Alternative the Militia officer is not credible to anyone. He may also be a subject to a number of provocative actions. Abiding the law even in the utmost degree does not protect against such a deceitful opponent.”26 The frequent interaction between the members of the OA and the Militia resulted in a shift of attitude among some of the officers. It was manifested by an “irregular” behaviour of the officers during events (smiles, eye blinking, checking the ID of physically attractive women, ignoring orders, asking about the date of a subsequent action, hand clapping and chanting). The biggest achievement of the OA activity was undoubtedly the increase of tolerance towards so-called “otherness”. Ironically, it also contributed to the decline of the Orange Alternative. As happenings became less shocking, they also became more ordinary and predictable. Chapter III THE ORANGE ALTERNATIVE IN WARSAW (WARSZAWSKA POMARAŃCZOWA ALTERNATYWA – W.P.A.)

The beginnings of the Warsaw Orange Alternative are connected with activities of the Independent Students Union (NZS – Niezależne Zrzeszenie Studentów), held in 1987. One of the actions organized by Warsaw University NZS was a “Great Football Match between KS Poverty and FC Wealth” (Wielki mecz KS Nędza – FC Dobrobyt), which took place on 29 November, 1987. The match indeed happened, but the actual place of the venue were audience stands, where people were chanting: “Go poverty, down with the wealth”, “Poverty will win”, “Wealth will lose”.

1) Relatively Large Anti-MON (Ministry of National Defence – Ministerstwo Obrony Narodowej) SB War Games. ( Stosunkowo Wielkie Manewry AntyMON SB)

The first happening organized by the group calling themselves the Warsaw Orange Alternative was a venue named “Relatively Large Anti-MON SB War Games” that took place on “27 April, 1988 at 1:00 p.m. in the direct operational distance from students houses at Żwirki i Wigury street (...)”1 The main objective of the venue was “the assault of the Military Academy premises, situated opposite students houses.”2 The venue began with the mock battle. The cardboard mock-ups of tanks were riding among the bangs of fireworks and the fumes of smoke candles. The action was accompanied by a march music, played from students house adjacent the Military Academy premises. The participant unrolled banners with surrealistic slogans: - “Gustaw Jeleń National Front of Zwoleń Liberation” (Narodowy Front Wyzwolenia Zwolenia im. Gustawa Jelenia). - “Pacifists to Pacific” (Pacyfiści do Pacyfiku) - “Nuclei of all the uranoids, unite!” (Jądra wszystkich uranowców, łączcie się), („Jądro” – nucleus for chemical substances, also ‘testicle’ in biology – translator’s note). - “Major to Pal, General to Secam” (“Major na Pal, Generał na Secam”), (a wordplay – “Major na Pal” may be translated as “Impale the Major” – translator’s note) - “I will exchange 48 for 69. Starowicz (Zamienię 48 na 69. Starowicz). (Starowicz – a well- known Polish sexologist – translator’s note). - “I demand Rye and Olive. A barrel” (Żyta i oliwy. Baryła) - “Rambo is on their side” (Rambo z nimi) - “I Hate Students” (Nie znoszę Studentów).

2) REVOLUTION OF DWARVES (REWOLUCJA KRASNOLUDKÓW)

Another happening, called “The Revolution of Dwarves” was organized along with the Orange Alternative from Wrocław. Appointed on 1 June, 1988 (International Children’s Day) in the passage near the “Centrum” Department Store, it attracted over one thousand people. “A great number of participants responded positively to the appeal of wearing red clothes. There are many “private” banners (not prepared by the organizers – author’s note) with following slogans: “Red colour reserved for dwarves” (Kolor czerwony dla krasnali zastrzeżony), Telesfor is on our side”(Telesfor z nami), “We are small but we are red” (Jesteśmy mali, ale czerwoni), “From Felix to children” (Felix dzieciom), “Don’t talk so much Teddy Floppy Ears (Teddy Floppy Ears – Miś Uszatek, a famous cartoon character – translator’s note)” (Uszatku nie mów tyle) . The banner prepared by the organizers had a slogan “Militia in Wonderland”3. (Milicja w Krainie Czarów). The parade, escorted by the Militia marched from the meeting point towards the Saski Garden. During the march the participants were singing revolutionary songs and were chanting slogans: “We want Mary – not the Orphan (a slogan referring to the Polish fable “Mary, the Orphan”)” (Chcemy Marysię – precz z Sierotką), “Ketchup is on our side”(Ketchup z nami), “Sleepy-head will settle dues with the Orphan” (Śpioch z Sierotką się rozliczy), “A Peaceful Revolution” (Rewolucja Pokojowa), “Dwarves are too small to vote”4 (Krasnal jest za mały, krasnal nie głosuje), “Victoria Hotel is a Contemporary Bastille” (Hotel Victoria – nową Bastylią). “A moment later, as the procession was approaching Saski Garden, a Militia vehicle blocked the way. Captain Leszek Maj, of ZOMO, asked politely the oldest dwarf for to prevent the participants from going near the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, as the clowning of dwarves in such place could seem inappropriate”5. 3) ELECTORAL WALK BATHED IN WHITENESS (SPACER WYBORCZY W BIELI SKĄPANY)

Before the upcoming elections to National Councils the leaflet issued by the Warsaw Orange Alternative “invited” people to the Old Town, where another happening was planned. It was named “The Supreme Action of Broadening and Strengthening on the grounds or the Electoral Walk bathed in Whiteness”. The leaflet informed: “An act of voting includes the essence of humanity. I vote, therefore I am (...) Do not miss this opportunity(...) We shall not assemble. We need no banners. Electoral trumpets and rattles shall be barely audible (...). Let us dress in white – the color of the innocence, simplicity and truth. Clarity and honesty. White is the color of our electoral feast (...)”6. At 1:00 p.m. more than one thousand people gathered under the Zygmunt's Column. A good number of participants dressed in white. After a few minutes of chanting and “cheering the elections” captain Leszek Maj of ZOMO convinced organizers to relocate the venue to the Old Town Square. The parody of elections was conducted at the Old Town Square,. The winner – John Powerless – was a shaking, fearful chap”7. Shortly after that “white walkers” returned near the Zygmunt’s Column. Here is the interview between captain. Leszek Maj and the journalist of “Przegląd Tygodniowy” (Weekly Review): “-Both cases, on 1 and 9 June, were clearly political happenings. Partly humorous, but partly tasteless or even offensive (...). Przegląd Tygodniowy: - But you became ,willy-nilly, a participant of the happening, - Maybe. But I was aware of my actions, as I fulfilled directives (...)”8. The “Electoral Walk...” invoked a conflict in Warsaw Orange Alternative. Wojciech Sobolewski, of the venue initiators condemned unnecessary discussions with the Militia .In his opinion, those ‘negotiations’ speeded up the ending of the happening. The conflict resulted in a break within the Warsaw Orange Alternative. The antagonists of Sobolewski established a group called “Catch 22”, whereas Sobolewski remained with the Warsaw Orange Alternative. 4) YOUNG PEOPLE DEFENDING THEIR COMMUNIST HOMELAND (MŁODZIEŻ W OBRONIE KOMUNISTYCZNEJ OJCZYZNY)

On 7 October, 1988 – the traditional day of the Militia and SB (Służba Bezpieczeństwa - Security Service) – the Orange Alternative organized the happening named “Young People defending their Communist Homeland”. It was held at Dzierżyńskiego Square. “As we were starting from a scratch we decided that the first thing we should do is a total happening, that will make the glass in windows break in awe”9. Before the happening took place, several leaflets had been issued. One of them, intentionally applying the language typical for the official propaganda, called for the “support of the socialism” and expressed readiness of the “progressive youth” to “defend the inviolable rules of the system”. On the day of venue – 7 October – more than four thousand people arrived at Dzierżyńskiego Square to “defend the Communist Homeland”. The members of the WOA (Warsaw Orange Alternative) brought different items representing the communistic symbols (such as red flags and banners, portraits of Beria and Dzierżyński). People were chanting: “Young people with the Party”, “Democracy is Anarchy”, “Dzierżyński – our Hero”. Several WOA members were carrying a spatial, 12-metre-tall mock-up named “The Dragon of National Agreement”. Law enforcing units intervened. “Basically, the tactics of the Militia is to disperse young people and prevent them from making larger groups. This is done by a line of ZOMO operators, standing arm in arm. People with flags and banners are captured and driven away in a known direction. On the other hand, participants try to assemble in one place, around the board saying “SOC – sztab (Socialist HQ)”. ZOMO intervenes immediately”10. The main purpose of this happening was to “provoke captain Maj and the Militia to act in a way typical for the Militia”, and thereby reveal the true nature of law enforcing units. The purpose was achieved.11

5) SOCIALISTIC FASHION SHOW (REWIA SOC-MODY)

On 6 November, 1988, one day before the anniversary of the Great October Revolution, another happening was organized by the WOA. It was called “Socialistic Fashion Show”. The traditional leaflet said: “The fashion fights and wins. It’s not where you’re from, it’s what you wear. Possibilities are numerous. You can dress up as a: Mental Health Centre, Unused Reserves, Milky Bar Chain, Last Year’s Rape Harvest, Social Awareness, Graphomania, Early Postimpressionism, Tenth Commandment, The Birth of a New Tradition or Far-Reaching Conclusions (...)”12. The event was divided into two phases: Phase 1 – Young people gathered at Świętojańska Street were chanting different slogans: “Down with polka dots”(Precz z groszkami), “Police station is our home”(Komisariat naszym domem), “Ushanka caps guarantee alliance”(Czapki na uszy gwarancją sojuszy), “Militia is likable”(Milicja da się lubić), “Ala has a cat, the Militia have batons” (Aka ma kota milicja ma pałę) (pała –a baton, may also be referred to as a vulgar description of penis – translator’s note). Phase 2 –participants of the happening marched to behind the Barbican, where the main part of the venue was held. Opposite to the Militia cordon, the fashion show was conducted, but before long people were dispersed and the happening was broken. Among the most memorable “models” at the “Fashion show” were “the man with a bus stop, the man dressed up as the Palace of Culture and Science and finally the artistic structure performed by three people – one man scrambling on all fours, holding a bicycle wheel, another one sitting on his back and carrying the banner with a slogan “Bicycle + Pollution = Revolution” (Rower + Polucja = Rewolucja), and the third one, tied to them with a thick rope, pretending to be a water skier”13.

6) THE SLAP-UP MEAL (WIELKIE ŻARCIE)

29 November, 1988 was the anniversary of the referendum of how to liquidate the economic crisis in Poland. For the WOA it was the opportunity to organize another happening, that would ridicule ineffective reforms of the government. The event was named “The Slap-Up Meal” and it took place in a passage near “Centrum” Department Stores. The only requirement to take an active part in the venue was to turn up in the passage at 4:00 p.m. and “gorge on” ostentatiously. On 29 November, despite heavy rain, over four thousand people appeared in the passage. Most of them brought baguettes, toasts, cakes and salty sticks. “Everyone is shouting: “Sma-czne-go” (Have a good meal), so the Militia intervenes, carding people, sometimes in a very bizarre way. A Militia officer snatches the student’s ID of a controlled girl and runs away from the crowd. She follows the snatcher – it’s her property after all (...). Invitation to a “limo” is slightly more serious form of a control.14. During the Militia’s intervention some absurd orders could be heard (“Grab the ones with buns” for instance). The participants were chanting different slogans, like “Referendum”, “Have a good meal”, “The Slap-up Meal”. Someone was carrying a banner, saying “I have enough (of) salt - NSZZ of the Cooks” (Soli mam dość – a wordplay that may be understood as “I have enough salt” or “I’m fed up with salt”; the slogan is also similar to the word “Solidarność” – translator’s note), (NSZZ - Niezależny Samorządny Związek Zawodowy - Independent Self-governing Trade Union). More than two hundred people were detained by the Militia. Several weeks later captain Andrzej Zaczynski – the spokesman of the Head of Internal Affairs Capital Office, tried to justify the need for the Militia intervention, saying: “There are some people, who say ‘Enjoy your meal’ and they have fun. Other people, however, ask: ‘Who let that happen? Why is this happening’15. ” As indicated by Wojtek Soboloweski “’The Slap-Up Meal’ created a very interesting atmosphere, and the Militia yet again revealed its true face.”

7) THE INVISIBLE ARMY (NIEWIDZIALNA ARMIA)

In a attempt to involve the Militia even further in the happenings and make them execute even more absurd “operational duties”, the WOA decided to organize a pantomimic happening, held on 20 January, 1989. It was called “The Invisible Army”. The meeting point of the venue was again the passage near “Centrum” Department Stores, where participants of the Orange Alternative began the large-scale pantomime, imitating the street demonstration. The happening was conducted without any props. People present at the action pretended to be holding banners, printing and distributing leaflets, chanting and shouting. The Militia did not step in. Since it came as a surprise to them, the participants of the venue started to move towards the Old Town. “Those walking at the front were carrying the banner saying: “Moon is bald”, and others were chanting: ”Release Gagarin”. Under the Zygmunt’s Column it was announced that the political system, the government and the name of the country is changed, as of now (...)”. At 4:00 p.m., much to the surprise of the participants themselves and in the same degree to passers-by, everyone just went home without any trouble. 8) POLLOCK CAN DO IT (POLLOCK POTRAFI)

On 24 February, 1989 another expressive performance called “Pollock can do it” took place near the passage of “Centrum” Department Stores. The action was an attempt to invoke a creative factor among the participants by inviting them to a joint painting in a spirit of an abstract expressionism. The linen screens were placed along the passage, and people were given paint and brushes. “The creativity of the Oranges, being more of the improvisation than a plan, was shifted onto the pavement, and then onto the shop windows and granite slabs of department stores’ facades. I guess that the organizers didn’t expect that twist of the course – they prepared the screens, didn’t they. But it all turned into a situation not quite controlled”17. Some bizarre pictures appeared on the wall, along with daubs and absurd slogans, such as “Painting is good for a libido”(Malowanie dobrze wpływa na potencję), “Autovidol is my Idol” (Autovidol to mój idol), “Hooray for Balloons”(Vivat Balony), “Password - Butter”(Hasło - Masło). Before long, more than 250 participants started to march towards the Palace of Culture and Science, but then the Militia intervened, detaining 51 people. A “legal action” was undertaken against twelve people. A few days later the WOA organized another happening, called “The Great Cleaning”. Expressing jokingly a self-criticism, the members of the WOA cleaned writings and pictures painted during the previous event.

The main aim of happenings organized by the Warsaw Orange Alternative was to create actions which would have completely absurd and bizarre character for the participants, and at the same time – force the Militia to intervene. In this view, the most successful happening was the “Slap-up meal”, when eating a toast or salty sticks grew to be a political demonstration and the “infringement against the law”. And similarly to the activities of the Orange Alternative in Wrocław, also the Militia in Warsaw became an active and full participant of the happe 9) “CATCH 22” GROUP (GRUPA PARAGRAF 22)

“Catch 22” was a group competitive to the WOA. At the break of 1988 and 1989 they organized several street happenings, such as “The Revolution”(Rewolucja), “Asylum”(Azyl) and the “Animals of all cages, unite!”(Zwierzęta wszystkich klatek łączcie się!) The happening standing out of others in terms of originality and creativity was the “Asylum”, during which a group of people, dressed in dirty and ragged clothes tied themselves with chains to the counter in the luxurious part of “Centrum” Department Stores. where they asked for an “economic asylum”. In their actions, “Catch 22” quite often duplicated ideas of the Wrocław Orange Alternative. The members of the group described themselves as the “Political Bohemia”. CHAPTER IV

MANIC ACTIVITIES GALLERY (GALERIA DZIAŁAŃ MANIAKALNYCH) /The Orange Alternative in Łódź /

In May, 1989 a group of young people from colleges and high schools established a group called the Manic Activities Gallery. It’s members, inspired by ideas of the Wrocław Orange Alternative, began to organize street happenings, which mostly took place at the passage in Piotrkowska Street, near the statue of Leon Schiller. Soon, those action attracted many sympathizers. Regarding the content, happenings organized by the Gallery were closer in character to a street theatre than to events organized by Waldemar Fydrych. “Gazeta Wyborcza” published a list with the description of happenings, in a chronological order: “ 1 June, 1988 MANIC ACTIVITIES GALLERY is the Orange Alternative outpost in Łódź. It was born on the International Children’s Day, a day without meat, as a result of unexpected atmospheric discharges. A consequence of the birth was an assault of three individuals on the “Ruch” newsagent’s stand, near “Magda” Department Store in Łódź. Carrying the banner, that said ‘Down with RED Riding Hoods’, they performed, to the joy of a sensation-greedy audience a stage couplet called ‘Peace To The World, Flats To The Children’. After a few minutes two battalions of ZOMO joined the spectacle spontaneously. With a help of a tear gas and SS-20 rockets they were inviting the members of the Gallery into their uniquely exclusive Nysas The show was being continued in Łódź Śródmieście Militia station, famous for its courtesy. Finally it ended 48 hours later, with an interesting cabaret accent performed by the Local Magistrate for Minor Offences Since then, responding to the public demand, as well as requests of some Militia officers, the Gallery organized a number of artistic provocations with the participation of a local active bodies

7 November, 1988 On the anniversary day of the Great October Revolution, which for our generation is a symbol of the return to the stone age and cannibalism, several people were running back and forth the Piotrkowska Street, holding boards with a slogan ‘Galloping inflation’. The complementary action was the relay race of people holding banners, on which was written: ‘Long live the crisis’ and ‘We demand whatever’. Acting upon their instincts, the Militia undertook ANTI- CRISIS operation and detained all ‘Running Inflations’. Even the governmental circles were not safe (the minister of finance was detained for ostentatious street begging). During this so unconventional attempt to hold the inflation, a free massage of the back was given by specialized Militia officers to all willing participants.

13 December, 1988 As a sign of praise and remembrance of merry incidents, another venue – ‘The Day of Solidarity with the MO (Milicja Obywatelska - People’s Militia)’ was organized. Its leading slogan was ‘Help the Militia – batter yourself’. On that day, some individuals with board saying ‘Object to be Detained’ appeared near ‘Hortex’. Also present was the delegation that wanted to greet the first Militia vehicle with bread and salt. More than two thousand people gathered. They sang a very popular song in Łódź ‘One step for detention’ (being a paraphrase of an actual song called ‘One step to fall in love’ – translator’s note ). Contrary to a local tradition, the Militia did not show up. Because of that sabotage, the happening turned into a rally demanding the immediate re-declaration of the martial law and the coronation of Wojciech Jaruzelski.

15 February, 1989 Manic fighting squads came near the ‘Hortex’ to make a colourful performance called ‘Everything is clear’. They were carrying banners without slogans, they were painting historical books in white (‘more blank spots ‘), they were distributing leaflets which contained nothing more than an inscription ‘Leaflet’. The white cottage cheese was been elevated to the rank of a national symbol, as the participants decided that the reality is ill and it requires a medical treatment. The participant began to bandage the newsstand and passers-by. The Militia were given painkillers and laxatives.

24 February, 1989 Open-Air Round Table Debate. The gallery veterans, dressed neatly in suits (with ‘S’, and PZPR badges in lapels) (‘S’ – Solidarność, PZPR – Polska Zjednoczona Partia Robotnicza - Polish United Workers' Party – translator’s note) greet each other and sit at the Round Table, which had been attracting the passers-by for some time. After the brief introduction, the Leader of the Government Commission breaks the egg with a karate blow, and carries out the historical division for white and yolk of an egg. THE ROUND TABLE WHISKING BEGINS. (whisking – a wordplay, in Polish it may be understood as an idle talk – translator’s note). As the sound of egg beaters spreads, the first political hotchpotch is being underway. It’s the view that would make hens stop laying eggs. The crowds start to chant ‘No freedom without eggs’, whereas the Sanepid (Sanitary and Epidemiological Station in Poland) ‘representative’ arrests one egg in order to perform a gynecological expertise.

21 March, 1989 The First Day of Spring (the Spring Solstice) was the opportunity to organize, along with PTTK (Polskie Towarzystwo Turystyczno-Krajoznawcze - Polish Tourist and Sightseeing Society) and MPO (Miejskie Przedsiębiorstwo Oczyszczania - Municipal Services and Waste Management) the The Walking Rally of the Dropped Party Membership Card. It was ended with traditional spring cleaning – the Party Purge. Singing the jazz version of The Internationale, participants marched along Piotrkowska Street, eradicating bourgeois accretions with deodorants. Some of the ZOMO officers were given ‘Brutal’ cologne. At the very end, young people, excited by the spirit of socrealism, began the collective contemplation of Karl Marks’ ‘The Satanic Verses’.

21 April, 1989 Corpses of GDM commando, whose apparel leaves a lot to be desired, appeared around the tilt with a huge inscription ‘POVERTY’ on it. At the sound of grumbling stomachs, they started to slap the ‘POVERTY’ (‘slap the poverty’ – literary ‘klepać biedę’, it means ‘live from hand to mouth’ – translator’s note), which caused a panic attack among local money changers. ‘Slapping the Poverty’ ended with the siege of the City Hall, where participants demanded the incorporation of Poland into Romania. The happening was concluded by the merry waltz around vehicles of the Security Service.

10 May, 1989 During the ‘Peace Race’ cycling competition, another contest took place. The ‘Armaments Race’- a mutual NATO and Warsaw Pact forces exercises, with the extensive use of bicycles and cardboard, was conducted, and its leading slogan was; ‘Less condoms – more military training fields’(Mniej kondonów – więcej poligonów). During the race, the premises of the ‘Solidarność’ Citizens' Committee were assaulted, and all activists being inside were interned for a few minutes. 1 June, 1989 The Gallery Vanguard participated actively in the Wrocław Present Art Festival (Festival Sztuki Obecnej), which resulted in prompt fall of the Mediterranean culture. This incredibly hot theatre season was ended on 5 June by the action ‘THE DAY AFTER’, one day after the Parliamentary elections. Inspired by ‘Days of Trybuna Ludu’ (People’s Tribune – a title of the Polish newspaper), the ‘The Day of Bended Baton (Dzień Przegięcia Pały). As widely known, ‘The Bended Baton’ is a world-famous artistic-dental periodical. The day was opulent with attractions, among which the distinguishing one was a “boxing match” for the award of the “High Stool” (stool may be also referred to as a position or rank – translator’s note) between the ‘representatives’ of the “Solidarność” and the PZPR (the match ended with a mutual knock-out and the destruction of the stool). Another memorable event was a collective ecstasy, accompanied by numerous kilos of the red paint and chanting “We are all red”, ended by a reggae dance in the seat of Women’s League.”1 Chapter V THE ORANGE ALTERNATIVE – OTHER CITIES

The activities of the Orange Alternative inspired people in other Polish cities to establish similar groups. The organizations from Warsaw and Łódź were described in separate chapters because of the number of performed actions. Other groups took different names and not always did they identify themselves with the Orange Alternative, although some of its ideas were duplicated.

GDAŃSK, SOPOT 12 February, 1988 was the day when the ecological happening against polluting of Baltic Sea took place. Leading mottos of the venue were: “Open the Tins – Release Fish” and “The Death of Last Eel”.

On 12 March 1988 young people gathered at Monte Cassino Street in Sopot brought the dummy of Wojciech Jaruzelski and tried to drown it in Gdańska Bay. The Militia intervened, detaining several people.

Another happening, organized on 1 April, 1988 by the group called “The Pink Alternative” attracted more than a three thousand participants. At Okopowa Street in Gdańsk they surrounded the edifice of WUSW, where “connected by chain of hands” they gathered “in order to evaporate, by the power of will, all evil from the building”1.

On the 2 May, 1989 the Fighting Youth Federation organized the “Election Rally of Koziołek Matołek” (a famous cartoon character) at Długi Targ in Gdańsk. The same day was the time, when students from Political Club “Albo” organized the “auction of the Militia equipment”. It was held in front of the Institute of Mathematics and Polish Philology of University of Gdańsk.

In the happenings described above, an ideological layer dominates the formal sphere, hence they are referred to as “useful happenings”2. POZNAŃ

In March, 1988 students from Poznań established the “Committee for the Defense of Little Red Riding Hoods”(Komitet Obrony Czerwonych Kapturków). On 8 March, about thirty people organized a demonstration at Półwiejska Street, under the title “It is better”. 21 March, 1988 about 150 people dressed up in “spring clothes celebrated the end of winter and carried the dummy of a stork”. The main slogan: “Down with a Snowman” („Precz z bałwanami”) (bałwan – two meanings: a snowman or a fool, twat – translator’s note). On 7 April, 1988 the “Peaceful Hooding” (Pokojowa Kapturacja) took place. Several hundred people were walking Półwiejska Street and chanting: “Hoods always watchful”, “Kill the Wolf, Free the Grandma”, “Grandma, Grandma, why have you got such a long baton”. “The Hooding” was the last happening organized by the Committee.

KRAKÓW

On the first day of spring – 21 March, 1988 the group called “Bump the RHINO” (Bulwa NOSOROŻEC) organized a rally called “Jerzy Urban – the Idol of all Women”. During the rally, instead of sinking the traditional Marzanna effigy, the participants decided to throw a TV set into the river. The most interesting action, reminiscent to the happenings of the Orange Alternative, was the happening called “Penance” (3 April, 1989) organized several weeks past street riots3, when the press initiated a witch-hunt against the students’ and academic circles. In response, young people “organized the public display of apologies, self - criticism and breast beating”4.

BIAŁYSTOK On 7 November, 1988 – the anniversary of the Great October Revolution, a staging of the battle between “Whites” and “Reds” took place near the cinema “Pokój” in Białystok. The mastermind of the happening was the “Białystok Orange Alternative”. On 2 December, 1988 the group organized a rally, during which people demanded the “electrification of the Cambodian villages, rehabilitation of Civil the Dog” and “melting the symbol of the Revolution - Aurora battleship – into razor blades”. In May 1989 a recreational – entertaining performance was organized at the students’ campus. As a matter of fact it was a football match between “ ‘ZOMO’ and the Orange Alternative”.

OLSZTYN Street happenings in Olsztyn, inspired by OA activities, were created by a group called “INFORMAL COMPULSIONS AGENCY” (Agentura Natręctw Nieformalnych). Between 1988 and 1989 the Agency was responsible for such anti-military happenings like: “Cannons instead of meat”, “Olsztyn Days of Terrorism”, “The Militia officer in every house”.

RZESZÓW In March, 1988 a group called “PROPAGANDA GINGER GROUP” (Grupa Inicjatywna „PROPAGANDA”) was established in Rzeszów. Simultaneously, another group was created – “RZESZOWSKA POWSTAŃCZA ARMIA” (RPA) im. Pitera Bothy (PITER BOTHA RZESZÓW INSURGENT ARMY - RPA). The “Propaganda” organized “two spectacular performances of the street art trend with a slight flavour of sensation. On 31 March an action called “This is not a happening” (To nie jest happening) was held. The performance was ended by the intervention of disorientated Militia. However, as soon as on 29 April, the members of Ginger Group organized an action which, being a combination of a happening and rally, was named “Everybody goes to ballot boxes”(Wszyscy do Órn). The action was spontaneously concluded in front of the Voivodeship Authorities Office edifice”6. The debut of Piter Botha Rzeszów Insurgent Army took place during the Parliamentary Elections campaign on 19 May, 1989, with the street performance called “Winter is yours, spring is ours and summer is Moomins’ ”(the slogan “summer is Moomins” is inspired by the book title ‘Moominsummer Madness’ – translator’s note). During the venue the “electoral programme of the Security Service was read out, with the following demands included: “the request for a longer ‘baton’ ” and ‘lighter helmets’ as well as ‘introduction of horse patrols’ ”.

LUBLIN On 20 April, 1988 students of the Maria Curie-Skłodowska University organized a demonstration under the title of “A true communist is a poor communist”(Prawdziwych komunistów poznaje się w biedzie). The participants of the happening sang the hymn of Gwardia Ludowa (People’s Guard, abbreviated ‘GL’) and gave out toilet paper.

MOSCOW, LENINGRAD, PRAGUE

The notion of surrealistic happenings with a political meaning spread beyond Polish borders. Happenings organized in Moscow and Leningrad gathered several thousand people. Those actions were inspired by the personage of Joseph Stalin. In Prague, Lubosz Rychvalsky initiated the establishing of a “Society in Aid of Merrier Reality”. On the eve of 21st anniversary of Czechoslovakia invasion by Warsaw Pact forces, the ”Society” organized a happening. A leaflet, issued in three languages: Czech, French and English, informed that on 20 August, 1988, “according to observations of astrologists, a Blue Whale will swim up to the Charles Bridge in Prague”. The leaflet ended with a slogan: “We greet the intervention of Whales”. As the evening came, members of the “Society” lowered a mock-up of a whale, made of wire net, paper and latex paint. The whale swam towards Charles bridge, awaited by Prague dwellers. As it was approaching the bridge, it was intercepted by the River Militia, which caused gathered people to clap their hands and throw flowers into the river. Chapter VI

WALDEMAR FYDRYCH – THE MANIFEST ON SOCIALIST SURREALISM

Under the Sun. Even a dried insect will be happy. A few profuse remarks. Dear Reader, is abolishing of illiteracy unequivocal. What about fables, particularly painted ones. Fox, tiger, beaver, bear, The Revolution activist, toadstools, golden fish. It’s a common knowledge that there is more surrealism in the works of Salvador Dali than in Marks’ superb poems. Even Lenin’s novels are no match to painting. How to tackle the dilemma. Here’s a boring question – every realist (socrealist). Surrealists don’t ask questions. It’s obvious – an adventurous life. Perception is not necessary. But still. It is worth to see if a cancer of rationalism has eaten your mind. There is a chance for the lost ones. Everyone roams freely. Dear Reader, the world is open for you. Climb a ladder of a career by becoming a kindergarten uniforms sewing machine, for instance. Every educated mind will reach out for the available means. The manifest is created for all minds of the world. Kill minds. Illiterate perceive the painting and pictograms. There is no other way to return to a nature. Isn’t it a utmost happiness to be a part of a great space machine? My recommendations. Any other way is strictly forbidden. At he end of the day grab any means available. Do not avoid intrigues, if they let you live. No murmur in your eyes should hamper your flying. You know well that the imagination is an endless world. It may be everything but you can’t be subservient to so called practical world. Killing a winged imagination is a realist’s career. Your bird may be cooked for a dinner. The movement will supply the weapon against realism. Sometimes hope becomes our foe. Our fantasies likewise. Of course dreams is a different story. Obviously there is no such power in life, that can tame the unlimited worlds of imagination. It infiltrates everything without using any physical force, imagination is alive as long as it is free. Do not be fooled it is otherwise. Our judgments are usually admitting the mistakes made in early youth. Every judge is a creator of mistakes. Because the crime is irrational by its nature. Even teenagers had already lost something in life. Problems will await for them. Imagination is the first victim. Once lost, it is extremely difficult to regain. Are our ideas associated in mistakenly? Are we going to deceive ourselves? Your ideas, boring fish in hats filled with problems. Your world is a smokehouse. Very well, torment yourselves. You may buy, you may sell. And we can not be stopped even by gates of an asylum, because even asylums are a great environment for surrealists. It goes without saying, psychiatrists are witty surrealists. They are not the only ones. Our unselfish feelings are cardboard bridges over Ganges rover. Surrealist doesn’t need to be a psychiatrist to not feel lonely. In fact, it is realist who feels lonely. Really, it is realist who feels lonely. Surrealists – never. In the long run, the world cannot live without surrealism. How come, the part of young people were drowned in the ether of a boring thoughtlessness. Who does this? This gloomy theatre called THE THOUGHT. There are perpetrators out there. Who are they? Existentialists in the first place. Who seeded the intellectual zealotry? Philosophers are also to blame. What do they do with the world? It is the that call to treat politicians with contempt. Politicians are great. Philosophers are doomed. Politicians have always been surrealists. Love politicians. Philosophers are losers. Love politicians. We are about to get rid of philosophers. Fortunately, even at times hard for surrealists, there was always a shelter for them in every city’s public toilet. Such transmigrations are highly advisable, mark my words. It is where Icarus ascended. It was hard for a clear rationalism to conquer toilets. Thanks to politicians surrealism endured in toilets. Because there is a place of relation between the sense of relief with an aesthetic experience. But even there philosophers tried to enter, fortunately their hopes fell through. Politicians have always been great surrealists. They are awaiting for warmth. Philosophers are losers. It’s about time to bare misconduct of philosophers before the Surrealism Tribunal. I suggest to erect a Great Tribune in a close distance, to praise the merits of politicians. Let us all laugh sincerely. The war between materialism and idealism. It is rather a primitive entertainment from the perspective of a living intelligence. Philosophy clerks, tricksters of criticism, specialists of limiting imagination and spontaneity, do not count on it. Something about rationalism for philosophers’ consideration. Rationalism is nothing more than a fear demobilizing the imagination. Rationalism starts where the fear determines the presence of fear. Real rationalists are knights. Their limited frames he roams within are to protect them from falling onto joy. Who of the philosophers, I ask seriously, dares to shift from “I think, therefore I am” to “I am happy, therefore I am”. Do not defend philosophers. Nobody questions last sentences. Nobody is allowed. NOBODY. Do not read Dostoyevsky Newspaper scraps depict world in a more accurate way; it is a job for every infant surrealist. Newspapers may wake a motherhood of the existence in this world. The times of socialism are particularly favourable for the development of the art. It is important that an average man feels better, knows more as days go by and the reality grows. And his dignity of existence is about the continuous surrealistic transformations. The history is the clearest of all mirrors. There have been great manifestos. Currently the benefits of the situation is undeniably visible. A vigor of public life has exceeded the most daring fantasies of interwar era surrealists. Do not be afraid to be ruthlessly honest. Surrealism is the only solution for the future and for the present. The world will not be talking about a crisis then. We have come so far, do not go withdraw. The world is a masterpiece after all. Even a single militia officer on the street is a work of art. Let’s play, the crucifixion is not our fate. Why suffer, when it is possible to rejoice? Life is a lottery ticket. What about religion, love and Dostoyevsky? For two first questions I will reply one sentence, for the last question I will give an elusive answer. 1. Religion is opium or a dream for people. 2. Love, if spontaneous, does not fear of any obstruction. It may be a part of an organizational status, for instance. Love and philosophy are contradictory. Moreover, love, according to surrealism /1929/ is the only idea that may be reconciled, even if it is for a moment, with the idea of life. As far as the socialism is concerned, there is also a collective love. 3. Instead of Dostoyevsky – Bulgakov, Babel, Brenton, Aragon, Vian and others And Darwin? He spoke of the opposite, unfortunately. I say again: pay no attention to philosophers. Darwin was a biologist and a surrealist. Your questions are becoming pushy. A green light for a Bible, but very shortly. I don’t mean to offend religious feelings. But isn’t it true that the religion elevated a remarkable literature in soviet Moscow? Even today I’m still considering, who served whom: socialism to Bulgakov or the other way round. The truth is always somewhere in between. Take Ecclesiastes for instance: “The eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor is the ear filled with hearing”. No one will express that better that a Soviet custom officer looking at our bugger bag. It is a common knowledge at Medyka border outpost. Finally we want to bring to mind. Our appeal that the world falls into dream and a dream into the world. Let it be known that we shall not allow to be easily deceived. We prepared uniquely perfidious tricks for your ordered knowledge, so don’t rely on them. No parole will be given. THE CALENDAR OF EVENTS

1980 September - the New Culture Movement established at University of Wrocław A Manifestation called “Down with Symmetry, We demand Free Imagination”.

1981 April - March of Peace May - publication of the newspaper titled “A” -publication of Waldemar Fydrych’s “The Manifesto on Socialistic Surrealism” November/ December - a strike of students at the University and PWSSP (Academy of Art and Design) with the participation of groups belonging to the New Culture Movement (Ruch Nowej Kultury) - the magazine “Orange Alternative” was established

Between 1982 and 1986 Initiatives: “Military Academy of Art”(Wojskowa Akademia Artystyczna), painting dwarves on walls, “whistling protests”.

1986 October - a happening called “Tubes” (Tuby)

1987 March - a rally of Ślęza (Rajd na Ślęzę): happening of “12” April 1 – two happenings: “Collective Deed” (Czyn Społeczny)and “A march with pots” (Marsz z garnkami) June 1 – “Dwarves in PRL” (Krasnale w PRL) August 1 – “Away with Clubbing” (Precz z U-pałami) October 1 – “Who is afraid of a toilet paper” episode 1 (Kto się boi papieru toaletowego – część 1) 7 – “Flower for the Militia” (Kwiatek dla Milicjanta) 11 – “Direct Action” (Akcja Bezpośrednia) 15 - “Who is afraid of a toilet paper” episode 2 (Kto się boi papieru toaletowego – część 2) November 6 – “The Eve of the Revolution” (Wigilia Rewolucji) 27 – “The Referendum Support Rally” (Wiec poparcia dla Referendum) 29 – first happening in Warsaw, organized by the NZS circles: “KS Poverty vs. FC Wealth football match” December 7 – “Santa Claus” (in Wrocław ) 23 – “The Evening of Three Wise Men”(Wieczór Trzech Króli)

1988 January - Waldemar Fydrych awarded by the Committee of Independent Culture (Komitet Kultury Niezależnej) February - “The Party and Security Service supports the redecoration of the library” (“Od Partii i bezpieki na remont Biblioteki”) (Warsaw) 16 – “Rio-botniczy Carnival” (Karnawał Rio-botniczy)(Wrocław) - ecological happenings in Gdańsk, organized by the “Freedom and Peace Movement ”(Ruch Wolność i Pokój) March 1 - “International Day of a Secret Agent” (Wrocław) 2 – a street venue of PPR “The Rally Devoted To The Martyrdom Of The Polish Mother” (Wiec poświęcony martyrologii Matki Polki) Waldemar Fydrych arrested “It is better”(Jest lepiej) – a happening in Poznań. 21 – “Spring festival” (Święto Wiosny) in Gdańsk 22 – “The Widows of Major”(Wdowy po Majorze) a sitting happening of women in front of the Interpress office in Warsaw, while the press conference of the Government spokesman was being held. 29 – Waldemar Fydrych released April 7 – “Health Care In The Service Of The Nation”(Służba Zdrowia w Służbie Narodu) – the first happening of the OA without the presence of the Militia (Wrocław) “Peaceful Hooding” (Pokojowa Kapturacja)– a happening in Poznań 20 – “The Militia instead of butter” (Milicja zamiast masła) (Lublin) 27 – “Relatively Large War Games, codename Anti-MON SB”(Stosunkowo Wielkie Manewry kryptonim AntyMON SB) – a happening in Warsaw May 9 - An exhibition “The Orange Alternative” of Sławomir Monkiewicz, held in “Na Ostrowie” Art Gallery (Wrocław) June 1 - “The Revolution of Dwarves”(Rewolucja Krasnoludków) (Wrocław, Warsaw) “Down with Little Red Riding Hoods” (Precz z Czerwonymi Kapturkami) (Łódź) 19 – “Electoral Walk Bathed In Whiteness” (Spacer Wyborczy w Bieli skąpany) (Warsaw) 27 – People’s Front (Front Ludowy) (PPR and PPS) “Greetings at Świdnicka”(Powitanie na Świdnickiej) (Wrocław) August - 19 – “Brotherly Help Forever” (Bratnia Pomoc Wiecznie Żywa)– Mt. Śnieżka, Karkonosze. October 7 – “Young People Defending Their Communist Homeland” – “We wil not give away December!”(Młodzież w Obronie Komunistycznej Ojczyzny – Grudnia nie damy!) (Warsaw) 21 – “FREE - DOM” /Wrocław/ - The Orange Alternative was awarded by Andrzej Wajda’s private award of “Popiół i Diament” (Ash and Diamond) November 6 – “Socialistic Fashion Show”(Rewia Soc-Mody) (Warsaw) 7 – “revolutionary” happenings in Wrocław, Warsaw and Białystok ”Galloping Inflation” – a happening in Łódź 29 – “The Slap-up Meal” (Warsaw) December 12 – “war” happenings (Wrocław, Białystok) 13 – “The Day of Solidarity wit the MO” (Dzień solidarności z MO), (Łódź)

1989 January 20 – “The Invisible Army”(Niewidzialna Armia), (Warsaw) February 7 – “Carnival” (Karnawał), (Wrocław) 15 – “Everything is Clear” (Wszystko jest jasne), (Łódź) 24 – “The Round Table Whisking” (Bicie Piany przy Okrągłym Stole), (Łódź) - “Pollock can do it”(Pollock potrafi), (Warsaw) March 21 – “Spring day” (Święto Wiosny), (Wrocław) “The Party Purge or The Walking Rally of the Dropped Party Membership Card”(Czystka Partyjna – Rajd Szlakiem rzuconych legitymacji partyjnych) (Łodź) “Animals of all cages, unite!”(Zwierzęta wszystkich klatek łączcie się!) – a happening organized by the group “Catch 22” (Warsaw) 31 – “This is not a happening”(To nie jest happening) – an action by “Ginger Group - Propaganda” in Rzeszów April 1 – a happening organized by “The Pink Alternative” in Gdańsk 3 – “Penance” – a happening (Cracow) 31 – “Everybody goes to ballot boxes”(Wszyscy do Órn), (Rzeszów) May 10 – “The Armament Race”(Wyścig Zbrojeń), (Łódź) May/June Electoral happening of Waldemar Fydrych 1 June – The Festival of Present Art (Festiwal Sztuki Obecnej) – Wrocław 5 June – “The Day After” – “The Day of a Bended Baton” (Łódź)

END NOTES

Chapter 1 1. B. Dobosz, W. Fydrych, “Hocus – Pocus or the Orange Alternative”, (“Hokus Pokus czyli Pomarańczowa Alternatywa”), Wrocław 1989, p. 21 2. This idea was utilized several times in the Orange Alternatives happenings. 3. NSZZ “Solidarność”, inhibited the preparations of “March of Peace” in order to avoid further escalation of tensions, invoked by a crisis in Bydgoszcz (March, 1981). 4. This magazine was a foothold of a specific Eastern underground movement, called the Socialistic Surrealism. The manifesto, published by Waldemar Fydrych referred to the reality as a work of art, and treated surrealism as a most accurate form of reality. 5. The idea repeated by the Orange Alternative. 6. E. Szemplińska, “Socialistic Surrealism or the Orange Alternative” (“Surrealizm Socjalistyczny albo Pomarańczowa Alternatywa”),. “The Independent Culture” („Kultura Niezależna”), August 1988, p. 32. 7. ibidem, p. 34 8. The real explosion of graffiti in Poland began in 1988-89, but activities of the Military Academy of Art may be regarded as its beginnings. 9. Inter - collegial Student Guide Book “MIŚ” (Międzyuczelniany Informator Środowiskowy “MIŚ”) 10. “Hocus – Pocus or the Orange Alternative”,, p. 45

Chapter 2

1. It was published in “A” newspaper, in 1981. 2. T. Jerz, “Young Wrocław” (“Młody Wrocław”), “The Culture” (Kultura), 9/492, 1988, Paris 3. „Who is afraid of a toilet paper?” Jobbing prints. 4. “Major” was a pseudonym of the Orange Alternative leader – Waldemar Fydrych 5. “Direct action”. Jobbing prints. 6. During the happening the participants recorded the communication of the Militia’s walkie-talkies. 7. P. Kasprzak, “We are all Orange”(“Wszyscy jesteśmy pomarańczowi”), Brulion 7- 8/88, p.77 8. B. Dobosz W. Fydrych, “Hocus – Pocus or the Orange Alternative”, p. 66 9. ibidem, p. 67 10. Referendum, being the government initiative, concerned methods of how to tackle economic crisis. Two methods were proposed. The first one assumed quick and radical reforms at the expense of society, whereas the second option suggested the slower pace of reforms. 11. A. Krajewska, “The Carnival Of The Street In Grey” („Karnawał Szarej Ulicy”) “Na Przełaj”, no 1/1998, p. 7 12. ibidem 13. (...) “Bollocks” („Głupie jaja”), The Polish Word (Słowo Polskie), 171/88, p. 2 14. Compare, par. 2 15. The photocopy of the document is owned by K. Albin 16. P. Radecki, “Reflexes”, („Refleksy”), no 2/88 17. P. Adamczyk, “Dwarves before the Majesty of the Law” („Krasnale przed majestatem prawa”), “Prawo i Życie”, 24 August, 1988 18. ”Free Wrocław”, issue 2 19. (...) “Is it still fun” (”Zabawa?”) ”Sprawy i ludzie”, 7 April, 1988 20. R. Jezierski, “Limits of the Surrealism”(”Granica surrealizmu”), ”The independent Culture”, November 1988, p. 104 21. ibidem 22. The actual Round Table Debate was being held at that time. The happening was an allusion to it. 23. A scandal was caused by one of the banners with a slogan “Pomścimy Wujka i Ciocię” (‘Uncle and Aunt shall be avenged’; wujek – lit. uncle, was also a name of a mine, where nine miners were shot dead by the Militia, during the period of the Martial Law). 24. See T. Pawłowski, “Happening”, Warsaw 1988 25. The Manifest of Socialistic Surrealism 26. M. Koprowski, “Dwarves are to blame” (“Wszystkiemu winne są krasnoludki”) “Odgłosy”, issue 9/89, p. 6.

Chapter 3

1. Announcement. Jobbing prints 2. ibidem 3. Based upon the interview with Wojciech Sobolewski – one of the organizers 4. The slogan referred to the upcoming elections to National Councils (19 April, 1988) 5. Based upon the interview with Wojciech Sobolewski. 6. Electoral Walk Bathed In Whiteness. Jobbing prints. 7. Interview with Leszek Maj – captain of ZOMO, published in “Weekly Review” (“Przegląd Tygodniowy”), 18 July, 1988, p. 15 8. ibidem 9. Based upon the interview with Wojciech Sobolewski. 10. W. Waliszewski, “Happening near Dzierżyński” (“Happening pod Dzierżyńskim”), Politechnik, 30 October, 1988, p. 8 11. Based upon the interview with Wojciech Sobolewski. 12. The Beginning of the Script. Jobbing prints. 13. “Free Wrocław”, no 2/88 14. W. Tochman, “A Wet Slap-Up Meal” (“Mokre Żarcie”), “Na Przełaj”, 8 January, 1989, p. 15. 15. K. Żaczkiewicz, W. Tochman. An interview with spokesman of the Head of Internal Affairs Capital Office, captain Andrzej Zaczynski, “The Blue Alternative” (“Niebieska Alternatywa”), “Na Przełaj”, 8 January, 1989, p. 16. 16. (...) Happening organized by students of Warsaw University, “Sztandar Młodych”, 23 January, 1989, p.3 17. K. Żaczkiewicz, W. Tochman. An interview with spokesman of the Head of Internal Affairs Capital Office, captain Andrzej Zaczynski, “The Stupidity is not an Excuse for Artists” (“Głupota nie tłumaczy Artysty”), “Na Przełaj”, 19 March, 1989, p. 13.

Chapter 4

1. K. Skiba “The Manic Activities Gallery”, ”Gazeta Wyborcza”, no 106.

Chapter 5

1. Based upon the interview conducted by the author of the thesis with Jan Waluszka - one of the event organizers, in May 1989. 2. op.cit. 3. So called “Wypadki krakowskie” (Cracow incidents) (between 17 and 24 February, 1989). It was the series of demonstrations, organized by WiP, NZS and KPN, during which participants demanded the withdrawal of Soviet Army from Poland. The protesters clashed with ZOMO and street riots occurred. 4. Based upon the interview conducted by the author of the thesis with Marian Kurzyniec - one of the event organizers, in the summer of 1989. 5. Based upon the interview conducted by the author of the thesis with Wojciech Karolkiewicz - one of the event organizers, in April 1989. 6. “The Bended Baton”, no 7.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

SUBJECT BIBLIOGRAPHY I MAGAZINES OF THE ORANGE ALTERNATIVE 1. “A” newspaper, no 1 2. The Orange Alternative, no 1-7 3. The Orange Juvenile (Pomarańczowy Małolat), no 1 4. Prolet, no 1-2 5. The Proletarian (Proletariusz ), no 1 6. The Bended Baton ( Przegięcie Pały ), no 3-7 7. Free Wrocław (Wolny Wrocław ), no 1-2

II INTERVIEWS 1. Piotr Adamczyk. An interview with Paweł Kasprzak. A Dialectic Orange. “Sprawy i Ludzie” (People and Affairs), 14 April, 1988 2. Walter Bien, Markus Keller. An interview with Krzysztof Skiba. Die Polizei ist ein Kunstwerk (The Militia is a work of art), “Der Tageszeitung”, 1 August, 1989. 3. Edward Górski, Waldemar Maszenda. An interview with Waldemar Fydrych. Of socialistic surrealism. “Kontakt”, 1/89, Paris 4. Aldona Krajewska. An interview with Waldemar Fydrych “Don’t shoot the dwarf” (Nie strzelać do krasnoludka), ”Na Przełaj”, 30 August, 1988. 5. (...) An interview with Waldemar Fydrych, “I don’t go by any ideology” ( Nie kieruję się żadną ideologią ), ”Metrum”, no 6/1988. 6. (...) An interview with Rafał Szymczak, “With a blink of an eye” (Z przymrużeniem oka ), (Inter-collegial Student Guide Book MIŚ), no 51/1989.

III. JOBBING PRINTS 1. Tass Agency informs (Agencja Tass donosi ), Łodź 2. A Direct Action (Akcja Bezpośrednia), Wrocław 3. Aleksander Krawczuk – a Ministry of so-called Culture and Art, Łódź 4. Non- realism (Arealizm ), Wrocław 5. People! Come to your senses! (Człowieku! Opamiętaj się!), Wrocław 6. Declaration of Joining PZPR (Deklaracja wstępującego do PZPR), Łódź 7. A Day of a Secret Agent, Wrocław 8. A Firecracker of a Peculiar Art (Fajerwerk Sztuki Osobliwej ), Wrocław. 9. The Festival of Present Art, Wrocław 10. Hocus Pocus or a Great Carnival at Świdnicka,Wrocław 11. The Manual (Instrukcja Obsługi), Warsaw 12. Dearly Beloved! ( Kochani!), Wrocław 13. War Announcement, no 104/88 (Komunikat Wojenny nr 104/88), Wrocław 14. Army Announcement 5/88 ( Komunikat Wojskowy 5/88 ), Wrocław 15. Who is afraid of a toilet paper ,Wrocław 16. Dwarves ,Wrocław 17. Mini – fest of Flowers. A Small Manifesto of the Socialistic Surrealism ( Mini – fest Kwiatów. Mały manifest Surrealizmu Socjalistycznego ), Wrocław. 18. A New Initiative Of Women Movement ( Nowa Inicjatywa Ruchu Kobiecego ), Łódź. 19. Citizens! Dwellers of Łódź and the Environs (Obywatele. Mieszkańcy Łodzi i Okolic), Łódź 20. Citizens! Dwellers of Wrocław! (Obywatele. Mieszkańcy Wrocławia!), Wrocław 21. Cizitens! Patriots! (Obywatele! Patrioci! ), Warsaw 22. The Announcement (Obwieszczenie ), Warsaw. 23. Patriots!!! (Patrioci!!!) Wrocław 24. The Beginning of the Script (Początek tekstu ), Warsaw 25. Greeting at Świdnicka (Powitanie na Świdnickiej), Wrocław 26. Compatriots!!! (Rodacy !!! ), Wrocław 27. Irregular Order no 4/53/87 (Rozkaz niecodzienny nr 4/53/87), Wrocław 28. Special Order ( Rozkaz specjalny ), Łódź 29. Samba comes back! (Samba wraca!), Wrocław 30. Electoral Walk Bathed In Whiteness (Spacer Wyborczy w Bieli Skąpany ), Warsaw 31. Comrades!!! (Towarzysze!!! ), Wrocław 32. The Day After, Łódź 33. Let’s get drunk when the authorities are watching (Upijmy się na oczach władzy ), Wrocław 34. Unsympathises Blatt aus Osteneurope, Łódź 35. Waldemar Fydrych – the only reasonable choice ( Waldemar Fydrych – jedyny rozsądny wybór), Wrocław 36. Spring time at Świdnicka (Wiosna na Świdnickiej), Wrocław

SUBJECT BIBLIOGRAPHY I ARTICLES 1. Piotr Adamczyk, Dwarves Before The Majesty Of The Law (Krasnale przed majestatem prawa ), ”Prawo i Życie”, 24 August, 1988 2. Kamil Blekot, A Rebellious Radiator (Zbuntowany Kaloryfer ), ”Na Przełaj”, 2 September, 1988. 3. Renata Durda, Wojciech Tochman, „Walking Revolution” (Chodzona Rewolucja), ”Na Przełaj”, 27 November, 1988 4. LACK OF PAGE 17. Aleksander Malak, A watermelon in aspic or the TV was not there and its a pity (Arbuz w auszpiku czyli telewizji przy tym nie było, a szkoda ) Gazeta Robotnicza, 12 November, 1987 18. Jerzy Małczyński, Gargamels at Świdnicka (Gargamele na Świdnickiej ), ”Sprawy i Ludzie”, 31 March, 1988 19. Eryk Mistewicz, The Orange Alternative. Litter-louts or Positivists? (Pomarańczowa Alternatywa: Bałaganiarze czy Pozytywiści?), Głos Wybrzeża, 30 March, 1989 20. Halina Retkowska, The Departure ( Odjazd ), ”Reporter”, no 2/89 21. Ewa Szemplińska. The Orange Alternative, ”Ład”, 23 October, 1988 Idem. Socialistic Surrealism or the Orange Alternative. The Independent Culture, August 1988 22. Tomasz Szymański, The Orange Alternative or How Major Played a Fool (Pomarańczowa Alternatywa czyli jak Major strugał wariata), Gazeta Robotnicza, 22 March, 1988 23. Wojciech Tochman. The Wet Slap-up Meal, “Na Przełaj”, 3 December, 1988 24. Mariusz Urbanek, Dwarves ITD, 3 August, 1988 25. Bogdan Usowicz, The Revolution of Dwarves, “Metrum”, no 6/1988 26. ibidem, 27 June, Wrocław 27. Wiesław Waliszewski, A Happening near Dzierżyński, Politechnika, 20 October, 1988 28. Wiktorowicz, Happening?, ”Waga”, no 6, October 1988 29. Danuta and Aleksander Wroniszewski, Knock them down, drag them out or the great egging (Zadyma czyli wielkie jajcowanie), “Prawo i Życie”, 6 August, 1988 30. (...) Artistic Success of the Round Table. Radiants (Promieniści), 3 April, 1989 31. (...)Bollocks, Słowo Polskie, 17 February, 1988 32. (...) Happening in front of the Hortex (Happening przed Hotexem), Głos Robotniczy, 24 February, 1989 33. (...) Happening at Piotrkowska (Happening na Piotrkowskiej), Ekspres Ilustrowany (Illustrated Express), 14 December, 1988 34. (...) Students of Warsaw University at the happening (Happening studentów U.W.), Sztandar Młodych, 23 January, 1989 35. (...) The Orange Alternative again (I znów Pomarańczowa Alternatywa), Ekspres Ilustrowany, 23 March, 1989 36. (...) Where do they get off with it? (Po co to wszystko?), Głos Robotniczy, 14 December, 1988 37. (...) Orange Vandals (Pomarańczowi Wandale), Trybuna Ludu, 12 February, 1989 38. (...) The display of manic activities (Pokaz działań maniakalnych), Głos Robotniczy, 22 March, 1989 39. (...) Laughing allowed (Można się śmiać), ”Na Przełaj”, 27 November, 1988 40. (...) It wasn’t Las Vegas (To nie było Las Vegas), Wieczór Wrocławia, 17 February, 1988 41. (...) Is it still fun? (Zabawa?), „Sprawy i Ludzie”, 7 June, 1988

II. INTERVIEWS 1. Julian Bartosz, An interview with the Spokesman of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, major Wojciech Garatka, “It’s a springtime, Major!” (Wiosna panie majorze!), “Sprawy i Ludzie”, 24 March, 1988 2. Urszula Kłoda, An interview with Mirosław Dębiński, The Orange Alternative as a panacea (Panaceum Pomarańczowa Alternatywa), “Kalejdoskop”, no 8/89 3. Jarosław Machowiak, Wojciech Tochman, An interview with the Spokesman of the Head of Internal Affairs Capital Office, captain Andrzej Zaczyński: “Stupidity is not Excuse for Artists” (Głupota nie tłumaczy artysty), “Na Przełaj”, 19 March, 1989 4. Andrzej Małachowski, An interview with captain Leszek Maj, the commander of ZOMO: “I am not Gargamel” (Nie jestem Gargamelem), “Przegląd Tygodniowy”, 18 July, 1988, p. 15 5. Kazimierz Zglejszewski, An interview with the Spokesman of the Head of Internal Affairs Capital Office, captain Andrzej Zaczyński: “At the Edge of Common Sense” (Na krawędzi rozumu), Politechnik, 30 October, 1988 6. Katarzyna Żaczkiewicz, Wojciech Tochman, An interview with the Spokesman of the Head of Internal Affairs Capital Office, captain Andrzej Zaczyński: “The Blue Alternative” (Niebieska Alternatywa), “Na Przełaj”, 3 December, 1989

The following books were used as sources for my thesis: - Tadeusz Pawłowski, “Happening”, Warsaw, 1988 - Bogdan Dobosz, Waldemar Fydrych, “Hocus Pocus or the Orange Alternative” (Hokus Pokus czyli Pomarańczowa Alternatywa), Wrocław, 1989.

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