Michał, since 2014 you have been an actor at Teatr Pijana Sypialnia - how did that happen?

I did not plan it! I was invited to try it by a friend who had this passion before, he is also a dancer. And he told me: Come on, it's fun, you will be good at it. I had never done it before, and I wasn't sure if it was the right thing for me. But I said: Let's do it! And I liked it. Today, I have been in this group for nine years.

How has it been so far?

In the beginning it was terrible. The first show I ever had in this theater, a lamp fell on the floor during our performance, and somebody got hurt. I was fortunate that there was another show the same day - and that went great. Not everything goes your way. But you must accept it, don't think about it for too long and move on.
Still, singing and dancing on stage was very stressful for me. But when I did it repeatedly, it became natural. In the meantime, I have acted in many plays, and just recently I had another premiere. I act in the biggest independent theater in Poland. We are now about 100 artists – actors, dancers and musicians.

What has been your path at Xella so far?

As a BIM engineer, I prepare assembly plans for our products by creating 3D models. Together with my team, which now consists of four people, I also provide technical support to our customers. I joined the recently created BIM department in 2019, so in the beginning we had to establish procedures and communication with the other units of the company. Today, we are focusing on the technical and essential aspects of BIM. It's a great journey to be part of the digital transformation.

Are there any skills you use on stage that you can apply to your work as an engineer?

In both roles, I am always looking for innovative ways to solve a problem, to do it better and smarter. And it's the improvisation which I do not only during performances, but also in my work: It's all about trying - if you don't try, you'll never know. For me, trying is the answer in my professional life and in my free time. You don’t know if something is a good idea until you try it. You can only learn.

How do you balance your hobby and your work?

Working at Xella is my main occupation during regular hours, like everyone else in the company. I’m a structural engineer by training and by passion. I do all my artistic activities after work. We usually have regular rehearsals in the evenings and play our shows in the evenings and on weekends. But of course, I also spend my vacations doing theater.

What do you like about being an engineer?

Being an engineer is the most important part of my life: I have a scientific mind and I want to improve things! In my team, everyone's mind is open to new things. We like to ask questions and introduce innovations - and we have new ideas every day! We are not afraid to move forward. One of my favorite moments at Xella was when I implement the concept of creating a new crane, which allows us to install Silka Tempo blocks just under the ceiling. This became the Spider Mini Crane, which even won Xella's Innovation of the Year 2021 award, and for me, it was an opportunity to creatively develop my skills beyond the daily tasks. It was one of the highlights of my career so far.

And what has been the highlight of your acting career so far?

Just before the pandemic, we had the opportunity to go to India for the International Theatre Festival, and we were kind of the main star - we did the main show at the end of the festival. I didn't expect that. But our play went well, and the audience liked it a lot. Then upon my return I got the chance to play bigger roles. In the latest production of "Revue," I play the lead role.
It's that time in your life when you think: It was a good choice I made when I decided to start playing, because I'm here now. When you feel like that, you realize that it was a good way to go.

Do you still have time for something besides theater in your free time?

Yes! If there is some time left, I repair antique motorcycles. Right now, I have my grandfather's small motorcycle in my garage. He gave it to me when I was young. I really enjoy the time I spend there because it's just me and the bike - no talking, just dirty hands, and silence.
 
If you are in the mood for culture, you can see Michał in the following shows at the Teatr Pijana Sypialnia in Warsaw:
·       04.08.2023 „Wodewil Warszawski”
·       11.08.2023 „Miłości”
·       01.09.2023 „Rewia”