Zypcio is an idealistic heir to a large brewery in Poland. In the face of Chinese invasion threatening Eastern Europe, he is corrupted by the advances of both Princess Irina, who is after his money, and the court jester, who is after his virginity.
Decadence, homosexuality, excess wealth, infidelity, alcoholism and drugs all played a major role in the decline of aristocracy.
The Dead Class (1975), by Tadeusz Kantor and the Cricot 2 company, is considered one of the most innovative and influential works of twentieth-century theatre. The breakthrough first version of the production - performed to great critical acclaim, but only rarely seen live by audiences outside Poland - was documented on film in 1976 by the Oscar-winning director Andrzej Wajda.
