A leading Polish actress is supporting a protest against a proposed ban on abortion, by cancelling her current show and joining a “general strike” planned for next week.
Krystyna Janda, Poland’s grand lady of the stage and screen, has been critical of the authoritarian stance of the Law and Justice (PiS) government on many issues. Now she has announced that she will not appear in a planned performance of Maria Callas Master Class at Warsaw’s OCH theatre on October 3.
In a statement on her website, Ms Janda wrote: “I am sorry, I have to announce that the performance of Maria Callas Master Class will not take place on October 3 2016. I have decided to show solidarity and join the one-day strike of Polish women, organised in protest against the attack on their lives, rights and freedom. I ask for your understanding”.
The general strike aims to persuade women in Poland to take the day off work – and refrain from housework – in protest against a bill that would ban abortion in all cases except where the woman’s life is at risk from pregnancy or childbirth. It would force women who conceive as a result of rape to give birth. Women who obtained illegal abortions would, under the new law, face up to five years in jail.
Last weekend, thousands of Poles – male and female – gathered in cities across the country to show public opposition to the bill.
The European Parliament is expected to debate the situation of women in Poland next week, in connection with the proposed abortion ban.
Theatre-goers who already have tickets for Ms Janda’s October 3 show will be offered refunds, and may be able to choose a different date.
