Powszechny Theater in Łódź

The Teatr Powszechny in Łódź, known as the Polish Center of Comedy, is an important cultural institution in the region, located at 21 Legionów Street, where it has been operating since 1945. The theater consists of two stages: the Main Stage and the Small Stage, which was launched in 2012. Each year, the theater presents over 400 performances and attracts an average of 130,000 spectators, offering a diverse repertoire ranging from classics to contemporary dramas, in line with the vision of its director, Ewa Pilawska, who advocates for a close relationship between the theater and its audience. The theater has a rich history dating back to May 1945, when Mieczysław Stawski inaugurated its activities with the play "Partyzant" by Ivanov. It quickly gained significance, undergoing name changes and leadership transitions under figures such as Karol Adwentowicz (1948–1950), who promoted popular theater, and Jadwiga Chojnacka, who introduced Shakespearean dramas and other classics. In the following years, the theater was directed by Zbigniew Koczanowicz and later Roman Sykała, who expanded the repertoire in the 1960s and 1970s to include reflective and socially engaged plays. Ryszard Sobolewski promoted an "actor's theater," while Roman Kłosowski introduced contemporary themes and experimental staging. In the 1980s, Mirosław Szonert took over as director, staging leading Polish dramas, followed by Bogdan Pawłowski and Maciej Korwin. Since 1995, the theater has been under the direction of Ewa Pilawska, who introduced initiatives such as the "Polish Center of Comedy," focusing on contemporary comedy, and the International Festival of Pleasant and Unpleasant Plays. Innovative social projects like "Child in a Situation" and "Theater for the Blind and Visually Impaired" demonstrate Teatr Powszechny’s commitment to audience diversity and making art accessible to all. The theater not only plays an artistic role but also an educational one, making it a vital part of Łódź's and Poland's cultural landscape.