From classics, through contemporary to theatrical performances. These are the various premieres and events that the Kraków theatre scene has in store, guaranteeing an interesting offer for every viewer.

When planning a visit to the capital of Małopolska, it is worth getting acquainted with the repertoire of theatres in Kraków in advance. The multitude and variety of plays performed – often also including English subtitles with foreign guests in mind – allow spending free time in an original and cultural way.

On the stages in Kraków

Artists such as Tadeusz Kantor, Jerzy Grotowski and Stanisław Radwan were associated with the Helena Modrzejewska National Stary Theater. The current repertoire features both classic (e.g. Henryk Sienkiewicz’s Trilogy directed by Jan Klata) as well as contemporary texts. The goal of the Juliusz Słowacki Theatre in Kraków was to create a place open to dialogue and other forms of art, such as the Something must break concert series, curated by Artur Rojek.
The Ludowy Theatre and Łaźnia Nowa Theater operate dynamically in the Nowa Huta district. Enthusiasts of light entertainment can go to the Kraków VARIETE Theater – one of the hits in the repertoire is the musical “Chicago”. It is also worth buying a ticket for a performance at the Kraków Theater Scena STU. The repertory includes, among others, Andrzej Grabowski, Olaf Lubaszenko, Piotr Polk and Dorota Segda.

Back to childhood

Younger audience together with their caretakers will be welcomed by the Groteska Theater, one of the oldest puppetry in Poland. The repertoire includes stage adaptations of famous fairy tales, as well as novels for children and adolescents. Moreover, every year, “Groteska” organizes the Great Dragon Parade – a family picnic near Wawel. The event is accompanied by colourful, different-sized images of dragon creatures that take control of the city for two days.
In 2020, the Great Dragon Parade will be held on May 30 and 31. Youngsters are also invited to the Workshop for Children, located in the historic cellars of the Palace under the Rams. You can go to the performance every Sunday, and take part in creative workshops created for the youngest on Saturdays.

With architecture in the background

It is worth visiting the theatres in Kraków not only to see the plays presented there, but also enjoy the unique architecture. An example of an eclectic construction is the Juliusz Słowacki Theatre – partly neo-baroque and neo-renaissance, with national motifs, which encourages to visit the interior. In turn, the second oldest theatre in Poland – the Helena Modrzejewska National Stary Theater, dating its beginnings to the 18th century, is located at Szczepański Square.
The renewed classicist facade reminds of its long and rich history. Since 1945, the theatre has undergone many modernizations, while maintaining the traditional division of space. This is where the premiere of the historical performance of “Dziady” by Konrad Swinarski, whose sculpted figure decorates the hall of the theatre, took place.

Festival of theatre

You will experience a true cultural adventure by participating in one of Kraków’s festivals. The 31st ULICA International Street Theatre Festival always enjoys great interest of tourists and residents alike. The warm July weather is conducive to admiring performances at the city’s prestigious outdoor spots – on the Main Square, Podgórski Square, and Jordan Park. The Divine Comedy International Theater Festival organized by the Łaźnia Nowa Theater and the Kraków Festival Office takes place in December 2008.
This is a great opportunity to see the most important performances of the season, as well as the artistic skills of young artists. In turn, the International Festival of the Form Theater Materia Prima offers an inspiring combination of theatre with multimedia, circus and dance. Since the artists visit Kraków every two years, hence you will have to wait for the next edition until 2021.

Selected theatre premieres 2020

  • AST National Academy of Theatre Arts in Kraków “Study of Hamlet” – 11 January
  • The Juliusz Słowacki Theatre in Kraków “The Name of the Rose” – 1 February, performance with subtitles in English and Ukrainian
  • The Juliusz Słowacki Theatre in Kraków “Balladyna” – 7 February
  • The Ludowy Theatre “Pippi” – 22 February
  • The Groteska Theater “Wild Swans” – 15 February, performance for children
  • Nowa Huta Cultural Center “Slavic Prelude” – March 14
  • The Stary Theater “Provincial actors” – 23 October