Stratford-upon-Avon

The Polish Cultural Institute in London, is delighted to present the Shakespeare and Poland Festival in Stratford-upon-Avon, celebrating the cultural connections between Poland and Britain while promoting Polish heritage.

In commemoration of the one-year anniversary of the unveiling of a new statue honoring Renaissance Polish Poet Jan Kochanowski, who was also a contemporary of Shakespeare, in the sculpture garden at Anne Hathaway’s Cottage in 2022, we invite you to join us for a series of fantastic events spread over 2 days at the end of June!

Day 1: Saturday, 24 June 2023

ShakesPEERS Picnic: Celebrating Jan Kochanowski, Shakespeare, and the Natural World

10.00-16.00

Join us at Anne Hathaway’s Cottage for the opening event of the festival, prepared in collaboration with the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust: “ShakesPEERS Picnic: Celebrating Jan Kochanowski, Shakespeare, and the Natural World.”

This family-friendly picnic will be held in the stunning natural surroundings of the Yew Tree Circle by Anne Hathaway’s Cottage on Saturday, 24th June between 10:00 – 16:00, and will feature an array of interactive and engaging nature-themed activities inspired by the shared love of the natural world by both Jan Kochanowski and Shakespeare.

Activities will include storytelling, a beekeeper’s demonstration, herbalist workshops, poetry workshop and folk music and dance provided by Birmingham-based Polish folk song and dance ensemble Wieśniacy. The event will be a great chance to pack your picnic, bring a blanket, and enjoy a fun-filled day for all ages.

So, pack your picnic, bring a blanket, and enjoy a unique day of celebrations. Join us in the Yew Tree Circle by Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, for a fun-filled day.

Admission is FREE, but advance booking is required using the link below

ShakesPEERS Picnic (shakespeare.org.uk)

The Dismissal of the Greek Envoys

18.30 -20.30

Experience the first drama ever written in the Polish language, “The Dismissal of the Greek Envoys” (1578) by Jan Kochanowski, performed at The Bear Pit Theatre.

Much like Shakespeare for Britain, Jan Kochanowski came to be regarded as one of the greatest poets and playwrights in Poland and even across the Slavic region of Europe. His robust language not only enriched Polish literature but also laid the foundations for its development. The impact of Kochanowski’s contributions to Polish literary standards cannot be underestimated.

During the Shakespeare and Poland Festival, you will have a unique opportunity to witness the staging of the first-ever drama written in the Polish language on the Bear Pit Theatre stage. This production, inspired by the 400th anniversary of the publication of Shakespeare’s First Folio, brings to life Jan Kochanowski’s renowned play, ‘The Dismissal of the Greek Envoys’ (1578), which has captivated audiences and influenced Polish theatre for over 400 years.

Exploring the historical backdrop of the Trojan War, the play delves into the collision and alignment of state interests with varying perspectives on politics, morals, rationality, and recklessness. Experience the beauty and power of this significant piece of theatrical heritage, specially prepared for this occasion and led by esteemed director, Jason Morell, whose previous credits include directing for the Shakespeare’s Globe.

Before the performance, translator Charles Kraszewski will give a short introductory talk on the background of the play, and after the performance, there will be a Q&A session with Jason Morell and Charles Kraszewski, moderated by Professor Tony Howard from Warwick University.

Event organised in partnership with the Polish Book Institute

Tickets are priced at £5 and can be reserved here:

The Dismissal of the Greek Envoys at The Bear Pit Theatre event tickets from TicketSource

All proceeds from ticket sales will be dedicated to supporting Ambulance Aid and Medical Aid Ukraine, who are raising funds to send ambulances and medical aid to Ukraine

Day 2: Sunday, 25 June 2023

Fundraising Concert for Ukraine in Support of Ambulance Aid and Medical Aid Ukraine

18.30-21.00

During the second day of the festival, you will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the beauty of classical music by Chopin and experience one of the most recognisable elements of culture during the Fundraising Concert for Ukraine in Support of Ambulance Aid and Medical Aid Ukraine.

Set in the stunning historic Town Hall in Stratford-upon-Avon, you can appreciate the genius of Poland’s best-known composer.

Indulge your ears in the enchanting melodies of Chopin’s most famous piano pieces, performed by the talented young pianist Lucas Krupinski. As one of the esteemed pianists on the elite “Steinway Artists” list, representing the highest level of piano playing, Lucas Krupinski has also garnered numerous international competition victories.

The event will also feature the captivating performance of Ukrainian soprano Inna Husieva, showcasing the rich music of Ukraine.

To begin the evening, Professor Tony Howard will provide an introductory talk on the British-Polish literature links, titled: “A Better World Than This: Shakespeare and Poland”, adding further depth to the cultural experience.

Organised in partnership with Copernicana CIC

Tickets are priced at £15 and can be reserved here:

Charity Gala Concert in Aid of Ukraine at Stratford Upon Avon Town Hall event tickets from TicketSource

All proceeds from the concert will be dedicated to supporting Ambulance Aid and Medical Aid Ukraine, who are raising funds to send ambulances and medical aid to Ukraine