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The Theatrum Gedanense Foundation, created in 1990, aims to reconstruct a Shakespearean theater in Gdańsk on the historic site of the original, which was built in the early seventeenth century. The original playhouse functioned as the city's only theater for nearly two centuries. It was not only the first public theater in Gdańsk, but also the first in Poland. The original playhouse was a remarkable example of the city's culture in the period of its highest development, a culture the reconstructed playhouse will both commemorate and revive.
Theatrum Gedanense has been honoured by the Prince of Wales, who took the Foundation under His patronage, as well as by two honorary patrons, the world-famous theatre directors Sir Peter Hall and Andrzej Wajda. The Board of Sponsors is formed from among Polish companies and chaired by Poland's First Lady, Jolanta Kwaśniewska.
The goal of the Foundation is not only to reconstruct the seventeenth-century theater in Gdańsk, but also to create a cultural center of international importance. With the help of the sponsors, in the summer of 1993, the Renaissance tradition of British actors coming to the Dominican Fair in Gdańsk was revived. This event has turned into the International Shakespeare Festival, organized annually at the beginning of August. It has become an important summer festivity for the Gdańsk region. The Foundation also organises numerous events promoting the project, such as art auctions, academic symposia, reviews of film adaptations of Shakespeare and an annual celebration of Shakespeare’s birthday. As the Prince of Wales said in one of his letters of support, this project will be an important contribution to the process of Europe's cultural reunification. The reconstruction of a Renaissance theater parallels Poland's political and economic renaissance and the country’s return to the cultural map of Europe.
The realisation of the project will not be possible without the help of both institutions and private sponsors.
The Foundation Office is at your disposal regarding information concerning its activities and forms of sponsorship, which include sponsoring the project of reconstructing the Elizabethan Theatre in Gdańsk as well as supporting artistic events organized by the Foundation.
Theatrum Gedanense Foundation
ul. Długi Targ 11/13, 80-828 Gdańsk, Poland
tel./fax: (+48 58) 301 34 11, 305 68 00
e-mail: fthgedan@gdansk.sprint.pl
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