This conference aims to introduce Wyspianski’s revolutionary ideas, often way ahead of his time, to the American university audience. Preceding those of Gordon Craig and Antonin Artaud and bordering on what we call now post-dramatic theatre (that is non-linear theatrical composition, disconnected images, overlapping of various realities, and interplay between heterogeneous discourses), Wyspianski propagated a vision of an all-embracing, highly artistic, politically responsive, open theatre. This event will be a milestone in introducing an artist of world stature to the English speaking world. Also, the conference will feature readings of Wyspianski’s texts in translation, and screenings of Wyspianski’s performances (recent versions from Poland) and the filmed version (by Andrzej Wajda) of his play The Wedding /Wesele.
Location: TBD
Sponsored by European Studies Council; and the Edward J. and Dorothy Clarke Kempf Memorial Fund