Planned topics

The enduring popularity of Beckett in Poland undoubtedly trumps that of many of his contemporary writers. His works are constantly republished, an example being the two-volume compilation of his Collected Works translated by Antoni Libera and released in 2017 by PIW publishing company, his plays never cease to amaze theatre audiences, while his overall body of work inspires Polish writers, poets and artists of all kinds.

 

In the following issue we would like to delve into the question of the foundation of Beckett’s influence on Polish culture. It will also be important to outline a “Polish Beckett” against the background of global tendencies and the evolution of the reception of his work in Poland. Several comparative perspectives will also be included, juxtaposing Beckett with authors such as like Antoni Libera, Tadeusz Różewicz and Andrzej Stasiuk. Finally, we shall pose questions which, from the perspective of Beckett’s thematic subjects, are still of unfading importance for literary and theatre studies, and a source of inspiration for humanism in the 21st century.