The aim of this exhibition is to chart the extraordinary history of an Elizabethan-style Polish theatre from its beginnings in 17th century Gdansk to today.
Take a journey through time and witness the transformation of the Gdansk ‘Fencing School’ where English travelling troupes staged early modern English drama, into its 21st century modern reconstruction, the Gdansk Shakespeare Theatre, which will open its doors in 2014.
The project engages with the past and looks into the future with its remarkable design by Italian architect Renato Rizzi. The new theatre will not be a monument or a piece of reconstructed heritage. It will become a living theatre open not only to ideas from all forms of theatre but also all forms of culture from around the world.
Renato Rizzi designed a multifunctional building, alluding to the Elizabethan theatre tradition but also a contemporary centre for culture in Gdansk, a bridge closely connecting history and modern times and thus the theatre’s form will not become prematurely and dramatically anachronistic but will age gradually and naturally together with the city.
The exhibition runs 15-27 October 2012
On the 13 October there will be a discussion panel followed by a reception to open the exhibition. To book, visit our booking page.
Guided Tours
Did you know that Jakob van den Blocke, the designer of the 17th century Polish theatre in Gdansk is related to the wife of one of the most distinguished British Shakespearean actors? If you want to learn this and more come and join Aleksandra Sakowska (the London Shakespeare Centre) the curator of the exhibition, on a half-hour guided tour for some extra insights and plenty of anecdotes.
Wednesday 17th Oct at 17.00
Thursday 18th Oct at 13.00
Monday 22nd Oct at 17.00
Thursday 25th Oct at 13.00
To book a free tour, go to our booking page.
For further information about the Gdansk Shakespeare Theatre, visit their website
The exhibition is presented in association with the Polish Cultural Institute in London.