Event

Barbara-Story of a Life

Barbara (1934-1997) was one of the greatest personalities of the French stage. An author and performer of over 150 unique compositions, Barbara lived and worked in the times of such personalities as Jacques Brel, Georges Brassens, and Edith Piaf.
Born 1934 in Paris as Monique Andree Serf she grows up in the circle of her family: her father, Jacques, of Jewish Alsatian origin, her mother, Esther, her Russian grandmother, and her brother Jean. She is only five years old when the Second World War breaks out. Her childhood and youth is marked by constant escape and hiding from the Nazi occupation and the Vichy Government. This period had a predominant influence on her future life and work. Barbara became one of the most celebrated French Chanson singers of the 20th century, beloved by all generations for her sensibility, wit, and social conscience, as well as for her unique musical style.
Yaga Kowaliks performance was prepared specially for the occasion of the 10th anniversary of Barbaras death in 2007. Entitled Barbara Story of a Life, it is a celebration of the singers unique oeuvre and shows particular stages of her biography through her songs: her childhood, love, war, and farewells.
Yaga Kowalik has so far been the only interpreter of Barbaras songs in Poland, and all songs are sung by the artist in French. The beginning of the artists fascination with Barbaras music was the invitation to record one of Barbaras most beautiful hits, Black Eagle. Yaga Kowalik was invited by Gilles Pellegrini, ex-manager of Johnny Hallidays group. In this way, the Krakow artist began to prepare and acquaint herself with these extraordinary songs. Yaga Kowalik has shown her performance of Barbaras songs with great success in Poland and abroad.
Walking the dog Theater is honored to present this fine artist and give audiences the opportunity to experience the work of Barbara.