Small, sturdy and easily to manipulate, the actor portraying Ignacy Jan Paderewski hails from Poland.
Although a bit quiet and at times lacking in substance, he lets director Kazimierz Braun pull all of the strings when it comes to his performance.
This attitude is not uncommon for the actor, referred to as "Maestro Paderewski."
He is, after all, a puppet.
Written and directed by Braun, a professor in UB's Department of Theatre and Dance, "Paderewski's Children" is a play based on the life of the famous Polish pianist, composer, statesman and philanthropist - Paderewski. The show opens Wednesday at the Center for the Arts and runs through Sunday.
The first act is set at the military training camp of the Polish Kosciuszko Army at Niagara-on-the-Lake during World War I. In an attempt to entertain Paderewski, the soldiers plan a performance for his visit to their camp.
The second act is set in Krakow, Poland, during World War II, as Poland learns of Paderewski's death. While many of the events and characters are based on actual events, the play itself is a work of fiction.
Professor Braun, who describes himself as a "director first of all," has been a professor of theater directing and history for 17 years. Braun has written many works, including books, plays and essays and directed numerous plays in Buffalo and countries such as Poland, Ireland and Germany.
"I want to be a conscious and useful member of the Polish Community," said Braun. The play celebrates Polish-American heritage, a personal connection with which Braun and others involved can make. The art of Paderewski is the main source of inspiration Braun and his cast.
"(Paderewski is) one of the greatest artists of the 20th century," said Bruan. "He's an example for someone to follow."
Serving double-duty, Braun finds little difficulty in directing his own work.
"It is a stick with two sides...as a director I understand the intention of the writer. Directing, I try to detach myself that I am an author too," said Braun.
Incorporating many means of artistic expression, Braun describes the play as having four main elements. The combination of acting, marionettes, live music and the participation of the Polish Dance Company of Buffalo, has made this production an impressive undertaking.
The inclusion of guest professionals has only heightened the level of excellence Braun and the cast together hope to achieve. The organizers feel privileged to incorporate the talents of Igor Lipinski, an award-winning pianist who has traveled from Poland to participate in this homage to Paderewski.
"It's brilliant ... (Paderewski) is my pianist idol," said Lipinski.
Another native of Poland, Pawel Chomczyk is contributing his talents as a puppeteer as well as filling the lead role of Colonel Falski in the play.
"I make him move and feel," said Chomczyk of the Maestro Paderewski marionette. The puppet represents the great Paderewski during a performance within the play.
Individuals involved in the play feel said they honored to pay tribute to the many accomplishments of Paderewski's life and to work with a director so personally tied with the play.
"Knowing that Kaz (Braun) is a native of Poland is really important, because this play is probably his heart and soul," said actress Nicole Casseri, a sophomore musical theater major. Casseri, who plays the romantic lead of Mary, is optimistic about all aspects of the work. Although she is not of Polish heritage, Casseri still finds inspiration from the play's meaning.
"(It has) an underlying, deep quality of nationalism ... identifying with who you are and where you came from," said Casseri.
Casseri is not slow to give credit where it is due.
"We're very lucky to work among some talented people," said Casseri.
Braun said this is a performance not to be missed.
"It may touch them and change their lives," said Braun.
Tickets for "Paderewski's Children" are on sale at the CFA box office and all Ticketmaster locations.
