Anna Próchniak, Currently in "The Tattooist of Auschwitz"
Black Jacket + Matching Skirt by Self Portrait
Anna Próchniak, a Polish actress trained in dance and theater, has starred in many award- nominated projects, including “The Innocents,” “Oleg,” and “Warsaw 44.” Her work is often thought-provoking and filled with intricate story lines that might challenge a performer. Yet she manages to portray them with ease. Her latest project, “The Tattooist of Auschwitz,” is a moving story of tragedy and love, told through the memories of Lale Sokolov, a survivor of the Holocaust. Sokolov is tasked with tattooing numbers onto the arms of prisoners, where he first meets Gita Furman, played by Próchniak. Their story is one that takes place during unimaginable circumstances, and yet leaves the audience with an incredible sense of hopefulness, and part of that is due to her portrayal. Just by watching her perform, you can tell she’s incredibly mindful of the characters she’s playing, regardless of if they’re real or fictional. She manages to immerse you in their world, making you forget that you are, in fact, watching through a screen.
Your most recent project, “The Tattooist of Auschwitz,” follows the true story of Lale Sokolov, a Jewish prisoner in the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp during World War II, who is given the job of tattooing ID numbers onto the arms of prisoners. You play Gita Furman, whom he meets giving a tattoo and who eventually becomes his wife. What is the difference in preparing for a role based on a real person, versus a fictional character?
I think playing a real-life based character is much more terrifying for an actor. I felt a huge responsibility not only in terms of the subject matter, but also because I knew Lale and Gita’s family would watch it. So, it was even more challenging. It’s essential for me to build a thorough background for the characters I play but when you work on a real-life person’s backstory, you don’t only rely on your own imagination, the script, and your work with the director, but you often have additional source material. This may seem limiting because you know you'll never be able to recreate this person and their life completely, but it can really help you understand them better. Production provided me with a huge amount of footage to work with as well as numerous Gita’s pictures. I watched her testimony and those of many other survivors and talked with Heather Morris about Lale’s memories of his wife. And I had a brilliant script to work with, as well as a lot of help from the cultural and historical consultant. All of this helped me connect with Gita and understand her as a person, and I felt her presence and protection during filming.
Being from Poland, I’m sure the Holocaust must have been taught in school year after year. Did that proximity to it have anything to do with you taking on this role?
Yes. It’s a huge part of the Polish education system and almost everyone I know visited Auschwitz or other Nazi camps. I believe it is crucial to spread awareness about the Holocaust, remember it and bear witness. It aims not only to help us better understand the past but to foster understanding, tolerance, and friendship between nations, ethnic groups, and religious communities. It is not only a lesson in history, but also in humanity. When I was offered the role of Gita I felt privileged because such roles don't often come along. I had the opportunity to play a complex character while telling a meaningful and important story to the world. Obviously, there was some level of apprehension about this especially because I knew a lot about this dark period of our history. I also have Jewish heritage, so the story felt personal. From the beginning, I realized how important it was to do the story justice and tell it in the most sensitive way possible. I felt incredibly honored but also daunted.
What was it like portraying a love story that takes place during such tragic circumstances?When I first read the script I knew it was clearly a moving, emotional, and truly epic story. There’s something so poignant in these two people connecting, finding hope and the reason to live within each other in these horrific circumstances. It’s such an unimaginable thing to have happened and what Lale and Gita went through is just beyond comprehension and their story is a story of hope and survival. Their love becomes a rebellion in a world filled with hatred and evil. It’s deeply moving, even now, when I talk about it.
For your role as Gita, you had to shave your head. Were you ever hesitant to do so? Was it freeing? Did it teach you anything about yourself or the way other people perceive you?
It’s very interesting because if it weren't for this project, I would have never decided to do it. When I was offered this role, I had no doubts about it though. It was a memorable and emotional moment when I did it for the first time during the fittings because of all of the associations it evoked. And I did it to tell a very specific and important story of an incredible person.
In terms of my personal life, I used to have long hair and I was sure that it contained all my strength and femininity. But I couldn't be more wrong! Shaving my head was very liberating and changed me a lot. When you have no hair, you have nothing to hide behind and the level of femininity you haven’t been aware of and the power that has been suppressed for a long time comes to the surface; it helps you reconnect with yourself. Since I cut my hair, I feel light and strong and I know that others can see this change because I hear it every step of the way. Some of my friends say they don’t remember me with long hair anymore.
Black Dress with Cut Outs by Self Portrait
Gold Earrings by Deborah Blyth
“The Tattooist of Auschwitz” is based on a book of the same name written by Heather Morris, who sat with Lale Sokolov for three years to learn his story. If you were doing the same, whose life story would you be interested in learning about and telling?
They met eight weeks after Gita died and became firm friends in the process. In high school, I spent a lot of time documenting the story of my grandmother Julia, who was deported from Poland to Riga (today's Latvia) during World War II. She grew up there and only returned to Poland at the age of 18. A few years ago, I shot a film in Riga and I found it very interesting because the city seemed strangely familiar to me. I know that DNA can carry memories of traumatic stress down the generations and talking to family members can help both parties heal. I am lucky that my grandmother is still alive and I want to continue talking about her childhood and ask for more details while I still can.
Throughout your career, you’ve taken roles in many difficult and emotionally taxing projects. It can be hard for our bodies to distinguish what’s real and what’s fake, so how do you make sure that you take care of yourself when taking on heavier roles?
What helps me is my daily meditation practice. I try to incorporate it into my work and everyday life, and I try to stay mindful as much as possible. I also do yoga, go for long walks to clear my mind, and visit art galleries. Art soothes me and helps to calm down my overstimulated brain, and I just need this time to be alone. For me, it is extremely important to sit with my emotions and to be kind and patient with myself. But I've also been going to therapy for many years now and having regular Zoom sessions in the trailer while filming is something I can't imagine life without.
Black Jacket + Matching Skirt by Self Portrait
White Boots by Russell & Bromley
When choosing a role, do you ever feel intimidated by the challenge. If so, how do you get past it?
Of course. It can be overwhelming sometimes. But I believe that if you avoid challenges you avoid growth.
Sometimes shooting on location means being far from home. What do you miss the most when you’re away, and is there anything you bring with you to remind you of home?
I miss my home a lot when I’m away. It's beautiful and so cozy. I miss seeing the park from my window and how it changes colors through the seasons. At the same time, I love to travel, explore the world, experience the beauty of different places, and exchange energy with people from different cultures and countries. I adapt easily so when I'm away from home I try to familiarize myself with the city I’m in: to make it feel like home just a little bit. I look for hidden gems, coffee shops, and walking paths to explore. I believe that home is not just a place, but the connection to loved ones so you can bring it with you everywhere you go. That's why I always wear rings that my partner and my family members gave me and like to look at them when I am away from home.
Denim Blazer + Wide Geg Jeans both by Self Portrait
Pearl + Gold Earring Missoma
Patent Ankle Boots by IZIE
You originally trained as a dancer. Is there something about that experience that influences your movements when you’re acting?
Dancing has been the most natural way to express myself for as long as I can remember. I would say that I am a movement-based performer, both in terms of having a foundation in dance and a strong physical response, even subconsciously. I always start working on a character from the body awareness, but I wouldn't say it's about the movement itself, rather about the presence and emotional accessibility through the body.
Outside of acting, are there any other ways you love to express yourself creatively?
I’ve liked painting with watercolors and drawing since I was a child, and I still do it when I can. These are truly meditative activities. I also believe that cooking is an art form, and it gives one scope for creative endeavors. u can literally feed someone with your art, isn’t that amazing?
Left:
Red Satin Blouse and Matching Trousers by Stine Goya
Black Leather Ankle Boots by Russell & Bromley
Right:
Black Dress with Cut Outs by Self Portrait
White Boots by Russell & Bromley
Gold Earrings by Deborah Blyth
What was your experience like shooting for this magazine? Were there any looks you especially loved?
It was just perfect. I loved working with Leslie, who is an incredibly creative soul and was open to all unexpected settings and flows. In terms of clothing, I liked the black dress from Self Portrait styled with the white boots. I love those types of contrasts and style breaks. I prefer to wear boots or cowboy boots rather than high heels.
You have a ‘must watch’ highlight on your Instagram. What are three things you’d recommend people watch right now?
I do! I haven’t posted anything in a while, I simply didn’t have time. I’ve seen some cool stuff. I definitely recommend “Baby Reindeer “on Netflix, it’s a harrowing watch but so important, brave, and honest. I'm in awe of what the creator, Richard Gadd, has done. I think watching it might be life changing for many people and I've never seen anything like this before. The work of Polish director Weronika Tofilska and several other Polish creatives was involved. I also recommend the Safdie Brothers' latest super weird and very funny show, “The Curse.” I love documentaries, and I'm a big fan of Werner Herzog, I recently watched a documentary about him called “Werner Herzog. Radical Dreamer,” and it was incredible.
Denim Blazer + Wide Leg Jeans Both by Self Portrait
Pearl + Gold Earring by Missoma
Instagram: @anna.prochniak
CREW CREDITS:
Talent: Anna Próchniak
PhotoBook Editor-In-Chief: Alison Hernon
PhotoBook Creative Director: Mike Ruiz
Photographer: Lesley Edith
Fashion Stylist: Miranda Almond
Hair: Bjorn Krischker at The Wall Group
Makeup: Emma White Turle at The Wall Group
Tearsheets by Daniel López, Art Director, PhotoBook Magazine
Interview by Caroline Nycek, Contributor, PhotoBook Magazine
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