Lecture on the Life and Legacy of Theater Legend Konrad Swinarski
On the Occasion of the International Four Days in May Commemoration
Warsaw/Rotterdam, 27 April 2025
On Monday, 12 May 2025, from 8:00 PM to 9:00 PM, a special lecture on the artistic legacy of Konrad Swinarski (4 July 1929, Warsaw – 19 August 1975, Damascus) will take place at the Adam Mickiewicz Literature Museum (Rynek Starego Miasta 20, Warsaw). At the Museum of Literature, theatre scholar Michał Smolis from the Theatre Institute and the monthly magazine “Teatr” invites you to reflect on the work of Konrad Swinarski. Brecht’s former assistant became a leading creator of Polish theatre, and his visionary work inspired and continues to inspire directors such as Lupa, Jarocki and Warlikowski, even fifty years after his death.
The event marks the 50th anniversary of his death and aligns with the international Four Days in May commemorations.
Konrad Swinarski: An Artist Between Fire and Innovation
Konrad Swinarski, born in Warsaw, carried the soul of his birthplace with him throughout his life. Despite his short life—he died at 46 in a plane crash—his work remains an enduring inspiration for theater makers and audiences alike. Swinarski began his career as an assistant to the legendary Bertolt Brecht. After Brecht died in 1956 he soon developed his own bold style. His vision—a blend of human insight, political courage, and experimental theater—made him an icon of Polish culture.
The Lecture: Remembering a Revolutionary Talent
During Michał Smolis lecture, we will delve into Swinarski’s rich artistic legacy. Michał will explore not only the context of his groundbreaking work but also how his choices transformed Polish theater. Topics include:
- His Warsaw roots and Brecht’s influence.
- His unique fusion of aesthetics and social engagement.
- His lasting impact on Polish performing arts, even after his untimely death.
Dziady Part III: From Banned Play to Theatrical Revolution
A highlight of Swinarski’s career was his 1973 staging of Dziady Part III at Kraków’s Stary Teatr. Six years after Kazimierz Dejmek’s infamous 1967 production—which sparked protests and led to Dejmek’s exile—Swinarski chose a radical, minimalist approach: no historical pageantry, but a psychological, timeless interpretation. No costumes, just white shirts; no bombast, but an empty, dark stage. Though ignored by the state, this production became a cornerstone of Polish underground theater.
Adam Mickiewicz Literature Museum
The museum, dedicated to Polish poet Adam Mickiewicz (1798–1855), provides a symbolic setting. Mickiewicz’s masterpiece Pan Tadeusz (1834) and the mystical drama Dziady are pillars of Polish identity. Like Swinarski, Mickiewicz used art to resist oppression.
Practical Information
- Date: 12 May 2025, 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Location: Adam Mickiewicz Literature Museum, Rynek Starego Miasta 20, Warsaw
- Admission: Free, registration encouraged via contact details below.
Contact:
Erik van Loon, Rotterdamse Festivals
www.14mei.nl
stichting14mei@gmail.com
+31 6 3826 5666