Powszechny Theatre in Warsaw

The Zygmunt Hübner Powszechny Theater, established in 1944 in Warsaw, is housed in a building that previously served as a cinema. Initially named the Teatr Popularny (People's Theater), it held its first performance in February 1945. Throughout its history, the Powszechny Theater has served as the main venue for the Municipal Dramatic Theaters of Warsaw. In the 1950s, under the direction of Irena Babel, the theater gained prominence in the capital. During this period, its productions featured outstanding actors, and the artistic leadership changed multiple times, including figures such as Andrzej Krasicki and Zygmunt Hübner, who took over the theater's direction in 1975. Hübner's vision was for the theater to engage with social and political life. The Powszechny celebrated successes with plays like "The Danton Case" and "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest." After renovations in the 1970s and 2000s, the theater continued its mission, also involving itself in social initiatives by organizing festivals and artistic events such as the Otwarta Ząbkowska Festival and the Happy City Festival. The theater features three stages that host a diverse range of performances, including those blending visual arts, ensuring that the Powszechny remains a modern and attractive venue on Warsaw's cultural map. The artistic ensemble, which included renowned actors, consistently collaborated with acclaimed directors, highlighting the institution's significance and contributions throughout the long history of Polish theater.