In times of growing polarization, the radicalization of social moods, and political turmoil, the theatre remains one of the last places where true dialogue is possible. But is it really? Hasn't Polish culture enclosed itself in a comfortable bubble, preaching only to the converted?

We invite you to watch the recording of the unique "Theatre and Democracy" debate, which took place in the outdoor space of Szczepański Square in Kraków. It was attended by directors of the most important Polish stages, who gathered to jointly reflect on the role of theatre in shaping civil society, the limits of artistic freedom, and the relationship between culture and politics.

As Maja Kleczewska noted during the meeting::

„We have something that is the most powerful weapon, namely radical care, radical care for the community. And this radical care is something that can save us all.”

In turn, Robert Talarczyk warned against the complacency of the artistic community::

„We are sitting among people who like and respect each other, who share the same views, and live in the same bubble (...). If we forget how to make the audience from that other bubble come to our theatres, in a year we might have half of our theatres closed.”

And Bartosz Szydłowski spoke about stepping outside political polarization:

„Public discourse today is so dominated by the clashing of arguments that there is practically no space left for another kind of life. And now, this life must be restored. We must believe that beauty exists beyond these spheres of division and truly does not fulfill itself only within them. (...) The strategy of non-belonging is, paradoxically, the strongest strategy for reinforcing liberal or universal human values.”

Is theatre still a "lever of social change"? How to build a repertoire that unites rather than divides? And finally – what do creators expect from politicians?

Participants in the debate included:
 

• Małgorzata Bogajewska (Ludowy Theatre)
• Krzysztof Głuchowski (Juliusz Słowacki Theatre)
• Dorota Ignatjew (Helena Modrzejewska National Stary Theatre)
• Jakub Skrzywanek (Helena Modrzejewska National Stary Theatre)
• Bartosz Szydłowski (Łaźnia Nowa Theatre)
• Andrzej Wyrobiec (Tadeusz Boy-Żeleński Bagatela Theatre)
• Maja Kleczewska (Zygmunt Hübner Powszechny Theatre)
• Robert Talarczyk (Stanisław Wyspiański Silesian Theatre)

The meeting was moderated by Jacek Wakar and Michał Olszewski.

We encourage you to watch the full recording of the conversation about the future of Polish culture:

Note: This is a machine-generated translation.