Theater in the Face of War. Polish-Ukrainian theatrical ties after the Russian invasion in 2014

This book is dedicated to celebrating and recognizing the individuals and events within Polish and Ukrainian theater during a period when human solidarity is crucial, transcending nationalism, historical grievances, or political motives. In 2014, amid the Russian military intervention in Ukraine, theater artists from Poland and Ukraine began bridging gaps, collaborating despite previously unconnected poetic and theatrical backgrounds. This newfound unity was fostered by the shared experience of confronting a common adversary, perceived as either a real threat, tearing apart their homeland, or a looming menace. The intention of this book is to showcase artistic endeavors within a comprehensive social and political framework, highlighting that theater, especially in wartime, is never isolated from its social context. It is crafted “here” and “now” by people for whom art represents both a mode of creative expression and a battle for sovereignty. Professor Piotr Horbatowski, an academic specializing in the history of Polish theatrical activities abroad, particularly in the East and Far East, has composed several monographs about Polish theater life in Ukraine. His innovation extends to glottodidactics, creating unconventional educational methodologies, including teaching Polish through theater and utilizing student-written newspaper editorials to impart Polish language and culture. His international teaching experience includes roles as a Visiting Professor at the University of Connecticut, Central Connecticut State University, Indiana University (USA), Tokyo University of Foreign Studies (Japan), Hankuk University of Foreign Studies (South Korea), and Guangdong University of Foreign Studies (China). Between 2005 and 2009 and again from 2011 to 2012, he led the School of Polish Language and Culture at Jagiellonian University. From 2012 to 2016, he was at the helm of the Center for Polish Language and Culture in the World at Jagiellonian University, and since 2021, he has been heading the Institute of Polish Studies Glottodidactics there.