Małgorzata Kożuchowska - Portrait of a Friend
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Malgorzata Kozuchowska – an outstanding stage and film actress.
She studied at the State Theatre Academy in Warsaw under the guidance of Maja Komorowska and Wiesław Komasa.
On the stages of the Dramatic Theatre and the National Theatre, she created numerous roles in productions directed by such renowned figures as Piotr Cieślak, Jerzy Gruza, Jan Englert, Krzysztof Warlikowski, Jacques Lassalle, Grzegorz Jarzyna, Agnieszka Glińska, and Wojciech Faruga – yet it was Jerzy Jarocki who became her greatest mentor and teacher.
She is the recipient of many awards, including the prestigious Gold Medal for Merit to Culture “Gloria Artis.”
This publication tells the story of an exceptional artist, Malgorzata Kozuchowska. It is an attempt at portraying the path she has taken in theatre, as well as the masters from whom she learned the craft of acting. The book includes, among others, texts by Dariusz Domański, an interview with the artist, and a chronological overview of her artistic career.
This richly illustrated edition presents an outline of the theatrical achievements of one of the most respected and versatile actresses of our time.
In this book, theatre becomes the temple of Malgorzata Kozuchowska’s thought.
An essential element of this narrative is the continuity of generations. The juxtaposition of Malgorzata’s artistic profile with those of Aleksandra Śląska, Irena Eichlerówna, and Danuta Szaflarska is not accidental. It is an attempt to show that the ethos of an actor’s work, respect for predecessors, and the understanding of the stage as a place where truth about the human condition is revealed, are still very much alive.
This is a story of an actress who, despite great fame, has remained faithful to her most important passion. For Malgorzata Kozuchowska, theatre is not merely a profession. It is a state of mind and spirit.
Within her lies both comic and tragic power — and how meticulously artistic she always remains.
Already at the Theatre Academy, she captivated Maja Komorowska and Wiesław Komasa with her talent — it was clear from the very beginning that she possessed not only remarkable acting skill. She revealed finesse, form, and sensitivity; in every role and scene, she conveyed emotion and the author’s thought from the outset. Voice, diction, the beauty of soul and body — somewhere deep within her… never blurred, always soaring flawlessly into the realm of theatre.
American drama, Słowacki, Chekhov, Witkacy… Through them, she revealed to the world the human flaw: love, dignity, and reflection — all preserved within the pages of the history of drama and universal theatre. And there is nothing greater in telling the story of an artist than seeing her on stage — in classical or contemporary costume; guiding dialogue, enchanting through monologue… A smile, a gesture toward the audience — she steps onto the stage, casting the play upon the scales — spells, madness…
“All the world’s a stage…” — Shakespeare’s words, held deeply in her heart.
Each of her roles, shaped under the guidance of a director, becomes a story about the human being — and, when needed, its defense. In the majesty of truths and illusions, through theatre, we glimpse light rather than darkness — and once again, we take another step with her, in life and on the stage.
M. Kozuchowska as Helen of Troy
J. Fraszyńska (Jerri), M. Kożuchowska (Candy) – “Unidentified Human Remains and the True Nature of Love” – B. Fraser, directed by G. Jarzyna, 1998
M. Kozuchowska as Mademoiselle – Picnic at Hanging Rock by J. Lindsay, directed by L. Frankiewicz, 2021
M. Dorocinski (Lucentio), M. Kozuchowska (Bianca) – The Taming of the Shrew by W. Shakespeare, dir. K. Warlikowski, 1998
M. Kozuchowska as Phoebe – As You Like It by W. Shakespeare, dir. P. Cieslak, 1996
M. Przybylski (Albert), M. Kozuchowska (Albertine), J. Englert (Emperor) – Wandering by W. Gombrowicz, dir. J. Jarocki, 2004
“Because in the theatre I am truly myself. Truly an actress…”
This confession by Malgorzata Kozuchowska clearly defines her attitude toward the acting profession, the art of theatre, and the mission of the actor—for whom the stage is a space where poetry, philosophy, and psychology merge with a personal vision of the world.
„Malgorzata Kozuchowska, for me, is above all — theatre.”
Łukasz Maciejewski
Wojciech Faruga
„She is an actress who loves the theatre…”
„…Jarocki fully revealed her to the theatre. He showed her true stage temperament…”
Wiesław Komasa
Jan Englert
„…Malgorzata Kozuchowska has never given a poor performance — not even a weak one…”
„…all the awards you have received — in radio, theatre, and film — have never obscured the true meaning of your work: the pursuit of new questions and the courage to explore new paths…”
Maja Komorowska
Dariusz Domański
„Malgorzata unveils the inner worlds of heroines shaped by love and disappointment. This profession offers the possibility of portraying a wide spectrum of people in their profoundly different circumstances. It is not merely a world of illusion, but also of reality; Kozuchowska reveals it before us, always wholly devoted to the stage and her audience.”
*The materials presented on this website have been sourced from the publishing series Portraits of Friends by Dariusz Domański and have been used with the author’s permission.