The Popular Choice Awards

The open-air Monopolis Summer Stage was developed in the unique, Źródliska Park. Virako could not host the stage at Monopolis due to the on-going restoration works but did not want to stop the cultural activity during the time of construction. Thus, the company selected Źródliska Park which is probably the most beautiful park in the city centre and is complemented by a unique history and surroundings. Together with the Warsaw-based theatres Virako was able to create an extraordinary atmosphere that allows for much more freedom than a rather more claustrophobic theatre performance could probably match. In June and July, an audience had the pleasure to watch The School for Wives and The Emigrants, both performed in Łódź by the Warsaw-based Polish Theatre, directed by Andrzej Seweryn. In August, guests had the possibility to see The Four Hand Dinner. The Summer Stage made its farewell with the performance of Cash On Delivery, staged in Źródliska Park by actors from the Warsaw-based Kamienica Theatre. The production of Monopolis Summer Stage involved the work of over 100 people. In order to arrange a professional theatre in Źródliska Park, it was necessary to use 86 tons of equipment along with 2 kilometers of electrical cables.
Monopolis Summer Stage was open to the public, and tickets on collection from the Virako office in Forum 76 were free. The performances turned out to be a tremendous success. The audience area was filled to the brim with spectators, and tickets were collected minutes after release. Around 3,000 spectators attended the event. This proves the need to organize open, free of charge cultural events and show that the need for more ambitious entertainment and art is thriving. The Monopolis Summer Stage also created an opportunity for Łódź citizens to see some of the most well-known Polish actors and plays usually hosted by famous Warsaw theaters. The project is another event that has been encouraged by the cultural activity launched by Virako. Previously, guests of Monopolis had the opportunity to participate in numerous music, photography, theatre and cinema events – all available to public. This is how the company perceives social responsibility – with a constant dialogue that invites investment and negates borders between business and the community. This a summation of the Virako approach. Not to build a project that ignores the community but to develop an umbilical cord between the developer and community to enable organic growth.