70 years of "Matysiakowie": new book "Po prostu się żyje" recalls everyday life in communist Poland

"Matysiakowie" is the longest-running recorded radio drama in Poland. In 2026 it turns 70. To mark the anniversary, a book has been published: "Po prostu się żyje. O Matysiakach i codzienności w PRL-u" ("Life just goes on. On the Matysiaks and everyday life in the PRL") by Tomasz Potkaj. An excerpt was published by the Onet Kultura portal.

On air since 1956

The first episode was broadcast on 15 December 1956 at 8.35pm. Its creators and first writers were Jerzy Janicki, Stanisław Stampf'l, Władysław Żesławski and Stanisław Ziembicki. They took advantage of a loosening of censorship to show listeners the life of an ordinary Polish family of the time.

That is how the Matysiak family from Dobra Street in Warsaw's Powiśle district came about. He is a master locksmith, played by Jan Ciecierski. She is a housewife, played by Stanisława Perzanowska. They have three children, and around them are friends and acquaintances with whom they face the hardships of daily life.

According to Polish Radio, the serial was very popular from the start. Nearly 400 dramatic and variety actors have appeared in it, regularly and as guests. Today it involves performers from several generations of actors.

A book about life in the PRL

Potkaj's book was published under the patronage of Polish Radio's Programme 1. It invites readers on a sentimental journey to the days of the PRL. As Jedynka describes it, the book shows both the absurdities and difficulties of everyday life then, and its charms.

The title echoes the words Mrs Matysiak used to answer a reporter in the first episode: "Po prostu się żyje" ("Life just goes on").

A huge response from listeners

According to Onet's description, over the years more than a million letters, gifts and keepsakes reached the creators and characters of the programme. Listeners reportedly entrusted the Matysiaks with their secrets, dreams and problems. For many, the radio family became almost part of their own family. Polish Radio also notes that the characters quickly began to live a life of their own in listeners' imaginations.

What this means for you

The serial is linked to Polish Radio's Programme 1, and Polish Radio publishes the history of the serial and related material on its websites. The book may be an opportunity to revisit memories of the PRL. The sources we used give no information on whether the book is available outside Poland.