Actor and director, democratic opposition activist

Krzysztof Marek Kolberger was born on August 13, 1950 In Gdańsk, where he graduated from the 9th High School, which is now named after him. He was a theatre and film actor and created many memorable roles. His main place of work was the National Theatre in Warsaw. He was also active in the Polish Radio Theatre, both as an actor and director. During martial law introduced in Poland in 1981, he was a member of the Primate's Committee for Aid to Internees. He was involved in the high-profile boycott of television.  Like many other well-known actors, he travelled around Poland giving performances for large audiences, mainly in churches, based on works prohibited in theatres and television. These actions significantly strengthened the Polish society's resolve to continue the long-standing resistance. Already after the socio-political changes of 1989 he was entrusted with the reading of John Paul II’s last will at the time of mourning after the Pope's death in 2005. He received many awards and prizes for his artistic and social activity. For many years he had been struggling with cancer and was one of the first to speak openly about in order to give encouragement to others affected. He died on January 7, 2011 in Warsaw.

The exhibition was prepared by the students of the 20th Zbigniew Herbert High School in Gdańsk.