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Shakespeare & Poland festival in UK’s Stratford-upon-Avon – English Section

Shakespeare & Poland festival in UK’s Stratford-upon-Avon – English Section

The festival celebrates Poland’s particular affinity and fascination with Shakespeare and his work as well as the cultural connections between Poland and Britain, while at the same time aiming to promote Polish heritage.

Saturday’s programme includes a family-friendly picnic featuring an array of interactive and engaging nature-themed activities inspired by the shared love of the natural world by both Shakespeare and Renaissance Polish poet Jan Kochanowski, who was the Bard’s contemporary.

During last year’s Shakespeare and Poland Festival, Kochanowski’s statue was unveiled in the sculpture garden at Anne Hathaway’s Cottage in Stratford.

The day’s programme also includes the staging of Kochanowski’s drama The Dismissal of the Greek Envoys. Dating from 1578, it was the first drama ever written in the Polish language.

The event’s website says: “Exploring the historical backdrop of the Trojan War, the play delves into the collision and alignment of state interests with varying perspectives on politics, morals, rationality, and recklessness.”

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The production is directed by Jason Morell, whose previous credits include work for the Shakespeare’s Globe theatre in London. An introductory talk before the performance will be given by the translator of the play, Charles Kraszewski.

“Anglo-Polish literature links” is the subject of a talk by Prof. Tony Howard from Warwick University scheduled for the second day of the festival. Its title is “A Better World Than This: Shakespeare and Poland.”

Sunday’s programme also features a performance of Ukrainian soprano Inna Husieva, showcasing the rich music of Ukraine, and a Chopin recital by up-and-coming Polish pianist Łukasz Krupiński, with all proceeds going to provide ambulances and medical aid to Ukraine.

(mk/gs)

  • June 23, 2023