Maria Sartova

Director,  scriptwriter, the producer of documentary films

The Grand Theatre in Poznan :

“Pêcheurs de Perles”  by Georges Bizet (2002) :

“Striking use of modern technology, an atmosphere of light and fine taste, coupled with clever winks at old conventions....” 
Kultura : Maria Stawinski.

Norma” by Vincenzo Bellini (2002):

“To the transparency of this heavenly music Maria Sartova brings a wonderfully poetic staging of lightness and finesse”.
The Wielkopolski GLOS.

“One of the best performances of the last few years!”  
The Ruch Muzyczny : M.S. Woskowicz

“Der Freischütz” by Carl Maria von Weber (2006). 

“This opera, based upon a well-known historical folk legend, uses standard period costumes, but is set in a wildly hostile environment, enhanced by a freshly dynamic and sensual staging. The use of “living” portraits brings further relief to Maria Sartova’s approach.”

The Opera Theatre in Szczecin :

“Ballo in Maschera” by G. Verdi (2002) : nominated for the “Golden Mask” prize given by the once-a-year theatre and musical competition in Poland. :
“A novel scenic approach using a transparent screen with floating images creates a dream-like world of reality, against which the production, freed of heavy romanticism, gives us the impression of a new Verdi opera».
The Szczecinski COURRIER.

“Princess Czardas” by Emmerich Kalman (2003) : 
“Drawing her inspiration from life in the Parisian cabarets, Maria Sartova brings fresh breath, good taste, and elegance to this Hungarian masterpiece.”
Edmund Kieszkowski 23-24 Listopada 2002.

The Wyborcza GAZETTE : interview with Slawomir Pietras, Director of the Poznan Opera : “A magnificent show! Maria Sartova, a great revelation!”

Gliwice Musical Theatre :

“Hello, Dolly” by Jerry Herman (2004): 

“Maria Sartova threw this work into the future by using break dance and other more modern scenic techniques than in the American productions, smart settings, clever acting, satisfying many tastes.  A production worthy of becoming repertory.”
The Nowiny Gliwickie, the Przekroj, and the Wyborcza  Katowice Gazette.

“42nd Street” by Harry Warren (2005): 

In the year 2005’s theatre and musical competition in Poland, the jury decided that the quality of this production so far outdistanced and eliminated all others that they honoured Maria Sartova with the only prize, the First Prize “Golden Mask” award. 

Résumé of all the critiques:
“Maria Sartova’s Polish Premiere production of “42nd Street”, a stunning success, fired by a wonderfully dynamic staging, received a well-deserved standing ovation. Effervescent action, youthful passion, and verve dominated the evening.  The use of transparent mirrors on stage created a fascinating interplay of images.” 
 Wyborcza Gazette. Aleksandra Czapla, Jolanta Brozda.

Ragtime - Gliwice 2007 

"  A stunning Premiere"

" Given three short hours to illustrate the birth of modern America is not much time!  But, the stage director, Maria Sartova, (other successes : “Hello Dolly”, “42nd Street”) achieves such a miracle brilliantly. Perhaps this obliged restriction in time helped her to create the wonderful dynamics, expression, and extraordinary coherence this show possesses.... "    

Nowiny Gliwickie - Monika Foltyn - 28-11-2007

 "The secret of its success lies in the tight coordination and coherent work of the artistic team....

Scene by scene, sequence by sequence, Maria Sartova has weaved together in a film-making style the episodes of the musical presenting a multicultural America.... "

Gazeta Wyborcza  : Aleksandra Czapla-Oslislo - 26-11-2007

"An ambiance taken straight out of the films of Woody Allen. All scenic changes are effected before the public by silent technicians dressed as workers.... "

 Dziennik Teatralny -  Inga Niedzielska - 29-11-2007

"The director’s technique of projecting short film cuts from the same period plunges us directly into the atmosphere of the New York streets at that time.... "    

 " ....the staging success of Maria Sartova lies in her capacity to create the immense energy and dynamics of such a musical in such a small area. The group scenes are particularly remarkable: those of the Ford Factory, of the immigrants’ arrival, or of the New York street scenes.... "

Dziennik Teatralny -   Marta Odziemek - 27-11-2007