Poland is known globally for its rich cultural heritage and a strong backbone of rich literature and art. Many of the theatre pieces or rather the forms of theatre in Poland are based on the country’s vast artistic and literary history. Though the spoken word is not so much incorporated in the theatre, there are various other forms like mime, including puppets, figures, shadows, and visual theatre though it has state censorship. Most of the theatre in Poland is dramatic genre-oriented due to the country’s profound historic background. Also, there is no division between theatre-goers and moviegoers as there is no division as such between theatre directors and film directors. Most theatre directors are movie directors too and the same goes with the performing actors and actresses. An example for these would be directors like Daniel Olbrychski, Jerzy Radziwiłowicz, Krystyna Janda, Wojciech Pszoniak and many other actors.

Theatre in Poland is very structured and formal as there is so much professionalism enrooted in it. There are different universities and institutions for creatives to pursue their artistic pursuits. Thus, theatre is and will remain one of the most profound creative expressions of the times to come. The most famous theatre in the country and people’s favorite remains to be the National Theatre in Warsaw. This theatre is known for its relevance in the modern-day as it asks through its plays questions that are staggering in the modern times. This theatre is known for its not-so-conservative take and an ever-challenging tone with its experiments.

The next in line to be a national theatre is the national old theatre in Krakow. This is the only one belonging to the union of European theatres. This theatre undertakes a more subtle and conservative approach in its experiments and is widely liked by the people of Poland. The current collaborator of this old theatre is Krystian Lupa and he is known for producing dramas by German writers. He has done existential and philosophical experiments in yet poetic and more modern-day human-centric rather than plot or conflict-centered.

The very famous actors and directors that have emerged from the polish theatre are Tadeusz Kantor (1915-1990) and Andrzej Seweryn who later worked on the staging of Mahabharata. This country also saw a genuine rebirth after the fall of the Soviet empire in its theatre with the rise of actor, director, and politician Jerzy Fedorowicz(1989-2005). It was under him that the theatre managed to win considerable recognition and several awards. The current director of this theatre is Jacek Strama, an award-winning theatre and film producer.

The most courageous part of theatrical reform in the 20th century is linking theatre with metaphysics. This was commenced by one of the Polish Romantics Adam Mickiewicz. This paved way for the Stainslaw Wyspianskis work, which remains reverentially complex, lucid, vivid, and a fascinating Polish Heritage. The holocaust of the twentieth century also gave rise to the theatre of death with many famous productions like, Wielopole or I shall never return and the Dead Class referring to the experiences and memories of the tragic events of the holocaust and its survivors. Thus Poland with its rich and vast theatrical and artistic heritage is a sight for all eyes young and old.