Oddech: The Theatre of Erwin Axer and Warsaw's Dynamic Theatrical Scene, 1956–1966 Exhibition

This exhibition explores the theatrical 'thaw' in Warsaw following the political changes of 1956, focusing on the work of Erwin Axer and the city's dynamic theatre scene. It highlights the period's newfound creative freedom, premieres of significant playwrights, and the rise of influential directors and theatre movements.

The exhibition 'Oddech. Teatr Erwina Axera i Warszawa teatralna 1956–1966' commemorates the vibrant theatrical transformation in Warsaw during the post-Stalinist 'thaw'. Following the political thaw in 1956, theatres gained significant creative autonomy, moving away from centralized control. This period saw the opening of the Dramatic Theatre in the Palace of Culture and Science, the premiere of works by Polish playwrights such as Gombrowicz, Mrożek, and Różewicz, as well as European dramatists like Ionesco and Dürrenmatt. It was also a time of major artistic debuts, such as Konrad Swiniarski, and significant returns, like 'Dziady' at Teatr Polski. Leading figures such as Kazimierz Dejmek at Teatr Narodowy and Adam Hanuszkiewicz at Teatr Powszechny shaped the landscape, while a modern musical theatre emerged on Nowogrodzka Street and student theatres captivated young audiences. The exhibition specifically honors the legacy of Erwin Axer, a pivotal figure in Polish theatre, marking the 100th anniversary of his birth. Axer profoundly influenced the capital's theatrical life for over three decades, making his work a central narrative thread in the story of this extraordinary moment in post-war Warsaw's history. The exhibition features over 40 photographs by prominent theatre photographers Edward Hartwig and Franciszek Myszkowski. The exhibition was curated by Michał Smolis and Paweł Płoski, with a design by Kama Schinwelska. It was organized by the History Meeting House and the Zbigniew Raszewski Theatre Institute.

This exhibition was part of the 'Archivum wydarzeń 2017' (Events Archive 2017) and details regarding current access or ticketing are not provided on this historical page. Information about general opening hours for the History Meeting House is available on the main site.