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Phone: 48-22-620-6281
When, after 1968, a large group of Jewish actors left Poland, and among them such well-known artists as Ida Kaminska, Meir Melman and others, it seemed that the theatre would cease to exist. However, the theatre survived through the hard times and reality proved that it is necessary not only for the Jewish community, but also for the Polish audience. Ostensibly there is something incomprehensible in the fact that there exists a Jewish Theatre in Poland, where Jews represent a marginal percentage of the population. The plays are performed in Yiddish, the theatre stages Jewish classics that are little known to the public. Yet despite everything it has numerous old spectators as well as new ones. The theatre is a temple of national culture for the Jews who have remained in Poland. And to the Polish audience Jewish culture created in Poland, over almost a thousand years of mutual existence appears to be a part of the Polish national culture.
Now it is housed in its own premises at Grzybowski Square and is named after the great actress of the Jewish stage and Mother of the Jewish Theatre in Poland - Ester Rachel Kaminska. And since 1970 it is directed by Szymon Szurmiej. The theatre, as the heir of the whole theatrical Jewish culture in Poland, solicitously cultivates classical Jewish dramas. Thus, the permanent repertoire includes the most outstanding works by Abraham Goldfaden, Mendele-Mojcher Sofrim, Sholem Aleichem, Icchak Leib Peretz, Jakub Gordin. Therefore it constantly enriches its repertoire with new contemporary plays by Isaak Babel, Arthur Miller, Ervin Silvanus, and others. It displays an interest in all contemporary plays whose subject refers to Jewish question. Alongside the principal repertoire of the Jewish Theatre, a pantomime ensemble, which is directed by Stefan Niedziakowski is also active.
The mimes participate in the performances of the theatre where the dance and movement usually play a significant role.
