Unobvious heritage

The cultural exchange between the communities living in Poznań often took place naturally and peacefully. Sometimes, however, religious or national differences led to friction and conflicts. Often, thanks to these differences the inhabitants of Poznań had an opportunity to understand and shape their own identity. Even conflicts enriched the city, often in an unobvious way visible only after some time, by adding some elements of heritage which still exist today.

The Jesuit college was famous for its theatre. Today the building at Gołębia Street houses the Ballet School. Concerts and performances are still organised here, photo by Zbigniew Szmidt

Protestants – what Luther has to do with theatre?

When the first sermons in the spirit of the Reformation were preached in the Parish Church in Poznań, nobody suspected how this might affect the development of Poznań’s theatre industry one day. In fact, it was religious disputes which soon sparked off between Protestants and the Jesuit order that led to the creation of the Jesuit school theatre. At first, its value was mainly pedagogical. Over time, however, Poznań theatre became one of the most dynamic stages in Poland.

The repertoire was varied: comedies, tragedies, religious plays. Political and even social plays were also staged. For example, the Latin play entitled Antithemius touched the issue of the oppression of peasants. The first Nativity play in Poland, in the form of a dialogue, was staged at Christmas 1573 in Poznań.

The plays were watched by townspeople. At first, they were staged either outdoors or in the castle, the City Hall and the churches. In the 18^th century a special theatre house was built for this purpose. The last Jesuit play was staged in 1765. Nevertheless, theatre traditions survived and soon a municipal theatre was opened in the same place.

41 / 43

Unobvious heritage

Unobvious heritage

Table of contents

Protestants – what Luther has to do with theatre?