How can Woodstock be described in one sentence? A sea of colorful tents and a teeming mass of people, full of admiration for the omnipresent music, but above all for its unique atmosphere. This atmosphere is created by the people themselves – smiling, relaxed, open and friendly toward everyone around them. Contrary to the claims of many who have never attended Przystanek Woodstock, there is no aggression here, while the people arriving from cities, towns and villages throughout Poland are incredibly disciplined and willingly follow the organizers’ instructions. They listen both to Coma and Hurt, as well as to Tomasz Lis and Archbishop Życiński. They listen attentively and appreciate that someone wants to meet with them and devote their time to them.
On the second day of Przystanek Woodstock, members of Via Sudetica also found a place to promote our town on the grounds of the Academy of Fine Arts. With the organizer, Zdzisław Garczarek, kindly agreeing, they carried out an initiative that was essentially a preview of the Parade of Love for Clay planned for August 17. Four barrels of clay solution were placed right next to the main Academy tent. The first to cover themselves with clay from head to toe (and even their dreadlocks) were two Bolesławiec residents. There was only a brief wait for the next volunteers. Very little time passed before small and large clay sculptures made their way into the crowd of Woodstock-goers, arousing general interest and, here and there, even envy, as questions could be heard: “Where did you get painted like that? I want to as well!” Fortunately, there was plenty of clay, and anyone who enjoyed the fun could join in. Over nine hours, from noon until evening, approximately 500–600 people bathed in clay; some even returned for a touch-up when their clay makeup began to crumble. At the clay barrels, one could also hear praise for clay’s superiority over traditional Woodstock mud – clay stays on the skin much longer and looks much more interesting than mud... (this was the most frequent comment from a Clay Person).
People of every age stopped by the barrels, including dignified-looking ladies whom no one would have suspected of being willing to paint their faces, hands and décolletages with clay, and then go eat a sausage in the company of a grandson smeared “like a sculpture.” Everyone who approached our Clay People learned about the idea behind the Parade of Love for Clay, received a leaflet promoting the event and… had their photograph taken against the barrels and the billboard arranged by Via Sudetica, which also appeared on the Boleslawiec.org homepage.
The idea of a parade of Clay People also greatly appealed to Jurek Owsiak, who visited us at the barrels and eagerly smeared his hands with clay. The fun continued at its best until darkness fell. The late hour obviously bothered no one, as there was no shortage of people willing to paint themselves, but… the clay ran out.
We hope that some of the Woodstock-goers will come to Bolesławiec on August 17. Via Sudetica extended a warm invitation to them.
Let us also add that a performance also strongly connected with Bolesławiec took place in the main Academy tent. Bolesławiec resident and pantomime actor Bogusław Nowak presented his performance “Spirale,” also known to Bolesławiec audiences. The work attracted considerable interest and was received very warmly. The audience was not at all put off by the makeshift, Woodstock-style stage conditions or by the air temperature falling minute by minute. Quite simply, the atmosphere was hot…
Let us hope that the 14th Woodstock will also take place, and that this time, instead of four, Via Sudetica will take fourteen barrels of clay there.