O korzeniach sceny narodowej w przedoświeceniowej działalności teatrów jezuickich
On the Roots of the National Stage in the Pre-Enlightenment Activity of Jesuit Theatres

Summary/Abstract: The aim of the article is to trace how the experiences and achievements of Jesuit drama (especially that of the second half of the 18th century) influenced first productions of the national stage. The correlations of the two theatres are apparent at many levels. A similar understanding of what theatre is for, ennoblement of classicist genres of drama, adaptation of pieces by foreign playwrights (Molière, Voltaire), programmatic and intentional presence of patriotic and civic content in the dramas, or application of similar means of artistic expression are but a few issues discussed in the article. The process whereby Jesuit plays became more and more classicist in form was a response to the changing internal and external circumstances.In the 18th century, the Jesuit college theatre was meant to encourage active participation; in other words, it was not focused solely on propagating religious content, but aimed at educating a good citizen and accented secular values. On the other hand, enunciations made by Jesuit dramatists of the period in forewords and dedications to their works reflect their evolving mindset, erudition and changing reading lists. The examples proffered in the article provide evidence that the college theatre was a source of ideas and formal solutions for the national stage, constituting one of its major pillars.

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