In the baroque interiors of the Palace of the Republic in Warsaw, the National Old Theatre from Krakow presented its programme for the 2025/2026 season. Seven premieres, a new slogan, a refreshed visual identity and a co-production with the Television Theatre – the conference on 30 September became a manifesto of the openness and togetherness with which the theatre enters the new season.
On Tuesday 30 September, we met with journalists at the Palace of the Republic in Warsaw. In this historic baroque interior, the National Old Theatre from Krakow presented its plans for the 2025/2026 season. This was the second programme conference after the Krakow presentation – the choice of Warsaw underlined the nationwide nature of the theatre’s activities and its openness to audiences
from all over the country. Jakub Skrzywanek, artistic director of the National Old Theatre, welcomed the attendees with the words:
“You are at home” – this slogan will accompany us in the coming months. We believe that today in a national institution, as in the Polish national community, we must all fit in, regardless of views, regardless of identity.”
He thus emphasised the idea of a “radical community”, setting the tone for the entire conference. The choice of the Palace of the Republic, restored according to the vision of arch. Tomasz Konior and Konior Studio, was no accident. Like the National Old Theatre, this venue has shaped cultural life for centuries and is now open to the public. Behind the scenes, participants drew attention to the symbolic reference to the season’s motto – making former elite spaces public and creating meeting spaces within them.
The National Old Theatre in Krakow – seven premieres and current themes
The programme presentation confirmed that the National Old Theatre does not shy away from topical issues. The new season will feature seven premieres – from a play for the youngest to challenging stagings of classic and contemporary texts. The repertoire combines reflection on tradition with current themes such as national identity, addictions, the crisis of masculinity or the role of the artist as a commentator on reality.
The first premiere will be The Bankruptcy of Little Jack, directed by Maciej Podstawny (11 October), a play based on the novel by Janusz Korczak, which will also come to smaller towns as part of the “Theatre is Yours!” project.
In November, Michal Borczuch will invite audiences to reflect on the role of critical art in the play “Animal Pyramid”. The following months include ‘Close your eyes Nel. In Desert and Wilderness – Epilogue’ by Piotr Domalewski, ‘Still Life’ by Elsa Revcolevschi, ‘Requiem for a Dream’ by Jakub Skrzywanek and for the season finale in May 2026 ‘Hamlet. Adoption’ by Remigiuszrzyk and Paweł Demirski.
Collaboration and openness
A major event will also be the start of a collaboration with the Television Theatre, which will be inaugurated in 2026 with the co-production ‘Abortion and Democracy’ directed by Remigiusz Brzyk, first in the TV version and then on the Krakow stage.
The management of the National Old Theatre emphasised the importance of supporting new plays, creative residencies and international collaborations. The 2025/2026 season will bring the presence of foreign artists such as Elsa Revcolevschi, François Chaignaud and Choy Ka Fai. Philippe Quesne will lead workshops with the acting company, and in the spring the theatre will host a prestigious Georgetown University conference on the role of theatre arts in social dialogue.
Education and the MICET Jubilee
Education and inclusive activities remain an important part of the theatre’s activities. The Krakow Poetry Salon led by Anna Dymna will be continued and a Dance Salon will be established, also accessible to people with disabilities. The Theatre of the Future project, currently in development, aims to improve the comfort of audiences through audiodescription, subtitling and sign language translation. This season also marks the tenth anniversary of MICET, the Interactive Museum, which has prepared special exhibitions, meetings and workshops combining theatre, music and dance.
The main message – community
The conference at the Palace of the Republic was not just a presentation of the repertoire. It was an invitation to participate in a theatre that wants to be an open and communal place. The slogan “You are at home” was reflected not only in the words of the management, but also in the atmosphere of the event – full of kindness, dialogue and readiness for new challenges. More information: https://bilety.stary.pl/
Photo: Stanisław Wojtiuk / https://www.instagram.com/cobre.tti/
Press material / OKK PR / https://okkpr.pl/
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