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“Oberek” represents the cultural heart of the Polish Community in Hobart. The group is dedicated to promulgating its rich Polish Folkloric heritage through the medium of folk and national dance and dance theatre. The group’s repertoire includes folk dances from twelve regions and nine sets of costumes. The current membership of the group numbers 30 performers aged from 6 to 50+ comprising first, second and third generation Tasmanians. Maria and Edward Wasilewski are the ensemble’s artistic directors and have been involved with the group since the 1970s.  

HISTORY

    The first Polish Dance Group in Hobart was established in 1952 by Mrs Sewera Kopias Sobieraj but only lasted for 2 years. Six years later Mr Bohdan Burbo, a former Polish Army officer, formed a new dance group consisting of sixty members including a choir. The group disbanded after several years but was revived again for a short time only. It wasn’t until the late sixties that a serious attempt was made to revive the Polish Dance Group.  At that time Mr Bohdan Burbo accepted the Polish Youth Group’s invitation to form a new group. After the Polish Youth Group disbanded, the Dance Group continued under Mr Burbo’s direction and in 1978 officially became known as “Oberek”. All members of the group unanimously chose the name after a popular Polish National Dance, which the group often performed

ACHIEVEMENTS

     Since 1975 “Oberek” has proudly represented Tasmania interstate at Polish Visual and Performing Arts Festivals (known as Pol-Arts)  held in a different State Capital City every three years.  “Oberek” has performed in 7 of the 8 Pol-Art Festivals, the latest being held in Brisbane in December 2000 and January 2001.  The Festivals are a celebration of  Polish Culture through the various mediums of dance, music, theatre, song, word, art, crafts and film.  

    “Oberek” is well known both within Tasmania and Interstate for its unique dance theatrical interpretations of traditional Polish folktales and legends.  These dance theatre productions combine mime and dance and can involve elaborate sets, scenery changes, pyrotechnics and intricate lighting and sound effects. The most famous and ambitious productions were “Maciek”, choreographed and directed by Mr Burbo in 1981 and revived again in 1994 by Maria & Edward Wasilewski who also choreographed and directed their own production of “Pan Twardowski” in 1997. The group’s latest production “Emigrantka”  (The Emigrant’s Dance) was highly acclaimed at the Polish Visual and Performing Arts Festival held in Brisbane in 2000/2001. The dance was choreographed by Maria and Edward originally as part of the 50th anniversary celebrations of the Polish Association in Hobart and depicts the arrival and settlement of post-war Polish migrants.

    Over the years, Oberek has entertained audiences throughout Tasmania at numerous multicultural, social and charity events.  From Cygnet in the south to as far north as George Town, including amongst others; Launceston Festivale, Targafest, Tasmanian Beerfest, Octoberfest, Salamanca Festivals, Red Cross (doorknock collections and performances), National Heart Foundation, Apex and Rotary Functions, Sandy Bay Regatta, Hobart Show, Tulip Festivals and Seniors Week as well as appearances on SBS and ABC television. In 1998 the group participated in the Tall Ships parade and was awarded first prize in the best costumed group category for its part in the 1998 Hobart Christmas Pageant.