#7 Warsaw: Where the Flame of the Universal Beacons Is Still Burning
Situated at the Praga-Południe district, one of Warsaw’s formerly ‘infamous’ areas, on the east side of the Vistula river bank, Teatr Powszechny (Universal Theatre) opened in the autumn of 1944 and was the first theatre that began operating in post-war Warsaw. More than seventy years later, the necessity of its existence remains crucial for the city and its people. Spyros Andreopoulos shares his reflections after visiting Warsaw for the Atlas of Transition festival, organized by our Polish partner.
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It is not my first time visiting Poland and Warsaw in particular. My feeling is always the same. This of weightiness and density, in contrast with the ample free space suggested by the city’s urban planning, a marking characteristic of the former communist era. On a second thought, my three words for Warsaw would be: stone, grey and blood. Nevertheless, these words carry double meanings.
Next morning. I arrive early at the theatre. As I sneak out for a quick smoke, I meet Asia, who’s running the theatre’s wonderful cafe-restaurant. Hardly woken up, we engage ourselves in a vivid conversation about the actions of Powszechny, it’s engagement towards social issues and the team’s everyday life...
Discover a photo gallery of Teatr Powszechny's neighbouring streets and hidden corners.