Application of Western Drama Theory to Academic Theatre Direction: Jerzy Grotowski

Jerzy Grotowski was a visionary Polish theatre director, producer, and educator whose groundbreaking work in experimental theatre redefined the very nature of performance. He made his directorial debut in Kraków in 1957 with a striking production of Eugène Ionesco’s The Chairs, heralding the emergence of a bold and uncompromising theatrical voice. From the outset, Grotowski challenged conventional forms, crafting a radical approach to theatre that would profoundly influence modern performance practices across the world. At the heart of Grotowski’s philosophy was the belief that the soul of theatre resided not in ornate sets or technical spectacle, but in the sacred and immediate exchange between actor and audience. He championed what he termed ‘Poor Theatre’—a stripped-down aesthetic that placed the performer’s physicality, voice, and emotional truth at the centre of the dramatic experience. His rigorous actor training demanded discipline, vulnerability, and complete surrender to the creative process—pushing the boundaries of human expression. Grotowski stands as a towering figure in the history of modern theatre, a relentless seeker whose revolutionary ideas continue to ignite the imaginations of actors, directors, and scholars. His work at the Laboratory Theatre, and later his explorations into ritual, culture, and performance, have deeply influenced contemporary theatre-making, particularly within the realms of physical and devised theatre. This research offers a structured exploration of the practical application of Grotowski’s theories, performance methods, and directorial vision within academic contexts—illuminating how his enduring legacy continues to shape and elevate theatre education today.