Tomasz Jedrowski’s ‘modern literary classic’ SWIMMING IN THE DARK is set to make its debut on the opera stage this week, with the premiere of the first act of an adaptation at a developmental staged concert in Key West, Florida on Friday 21 March. Written by composer Martin Hennessy and librettist Stephen Kitsakos, there will be two initial performances of the work-in-progress English-language opera from 21 to 22 March at The Studios of Key West, where they will be joined by Tomasz in person for the premiere.
The adaptation is a collaboration between composer Martin Hennessy, librettist Stephen Kitsakos, and Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music Opera & Ballet Theater. Featuring 18 artists from Jacobs, and directed by Michael Shell, Resident Opera Stage Director at the Jacobs School, the 85-minute Act One will be performed in English by 12 singers and a chamber ensemble.
‘The story unfolds in 1980, as the communist Polish People’s Republic teeters on the edge of collapse,’ said librettist Stephen Kitsakos. “At its heart is a passionate love affair, but it’s also a gripping political thriller set in a country being torn apart by upheaval.’
Tickets for the performances are available from The Studios of Key West website.
First published by Bloomsbury in 2020, SWIMMING IN THE DARK has since become a worldwide sensation, embraced by both critics and new generations of fans on BookTok – including the pop singer Dua Lipa, who picked the book for her Service95 Book Club in May 2024. The novel was a finalist for the Polari First Book Prize in 2021, has so far been translated into eighteen languages, with film/TV, theatre and opera rights all under option for adaptation. It was published in the USA by William Morrow.
Poland, 1980. Shy, anxious Ludwik has been sent along with the rest of his university class to an agricultural camp. Here he meets Janusz – and together they spend a dreamlike summer falling in love.
But with summer over, the two are sent back to Warsaw. Confronted by the scrutiny, intolerance and corruption of life under the Party, Ludwik and Janusz must decide how they will survive; and in their different choices, find themselves torn apart.
Photo: Kuba Dabrowski
About Tomasz Jedrowski
Tomasz was born in West Germany to Polish parents and studied law at Cambridge. He lives in France, exploring local history, national identity, and ecology.
His debut novel SWIMMING IN THE DARK was published by Bloomsbury in the UK and William Morrow in the USA, and has been translated into eighteen languages. Film/TV rights and opera rights have been optioned. The novel was a finalist for the Polari First Book Prize (2021).
Praise for SWIMMING IN THE DARK
‘Marvellous, precise, poignant writing; the reader is happy to be overwhelmed. The highest talent at work.’ – Sebastian Barry
‘A lyrical exploration of the conflict between gay love and political conformity. Jedrowski is an authentic new international star.’ – Edmund White
‘Heartbreak – yes, I’m a romantic – is what we get from Tomasz Jedrowski’s exquisite debut novel, SWIMMING IN THE DARK. Set in 1980s Poland, this love story captivates and is so beautifully written I return to it again and again.’ – Guardian
‘Readers will relish the indelible prose, which approaches the mastery of Alan Hollinghurst. Jedrowski’s portrayal of Poland’s tumultuous political transformation over several decades makes this a provocative, eye-opening exploration of the costs of defying as well as complying with social and political conventions.’ – Publishers Weekly
‘A stupendous read: I could not put the book down. I urge you to order this book now. Its eloquence, its understanding of identity, belonging, loneliness and love is second to none. Powerful and uplifting.’ – Lord Michael Cashman, co-founder of Stonewall
