The aim of the ‘Living Classics’ Competition is to boost the interest of present-day Polish theater artists in old literature carrying stage potential and befitting as an object of creative reinterpretation and dialogue with contemporary audiences. The foundation of the competition was the conviction that Polish dramatic literature is an abundant treasury waiting for the next upsurge of discoveries, which we want to stimulate by encouraging first-time performances and reaching for texts that are rarely or even have never been staged.
The organizers of the Competition aim to foster a meaningful conversation with the classics, examining them through a contemporary lens while paying close attention to the voices echoing from the old drama. Living Classics is a text of old that still holds relevance in today’s society. It captivates both the artists and audience members invited to the performances, creating a powerful and thought-provoking theatrical experience. Achieving such a level of resonance is challenging, but the efforts and dedication aimed at this goal are all the more valuable.
In the years 2013-2015, aiming to mark the jubilee of the 250th anniversary of public theater in Poland, the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage announced and conducted the first edition of the Competition for Staging Old Works of Polish Literature ‘Living Classics’. This competition helped reignite a passion for theatrical classics, leading to a multitude of captivating and noteworthy performances. Initiating the process in this way proved to be a worthwhile undertaking. Consequently, following installments were announced in the hope of making ‘Living Classics’ a permanent presence in the theatrical scene of Poland.
