Tadeusz Kantor's 'The Dead Class': A monograph of the play

Abstract

The book Tadeusz Kantor's 'The Dead Class': A monograph of the play provides a description and critical analysis of the history and reception of Tadeusz Kantor's legendary production. Despite being one of the most significant and frequently referenced works of Polish theatre in the second half of the twentieth century, the performance has not received a comprehensive study until now. It was Kantor's longest-running production – the final performances took place after the artist's death. Officially, two versions existed, yet over the course of more than a decade the show underwent what might be called natural modifications, resulting from cast changes dictated by various circumstances, among other factors. The study focuses primarily on a descriptive and analytical history of the production (drawing on new, previously unpublished archival materials), covering Kantor's inspirations in creating The Dead Class, its successive versions, and the changes the artist introduced over time. Kantor's own 'discourse' about the work – what he wrote about it and how – is subjected to critical examination. The most important interpretations of The Dead Class have also been collected and systematised, illustrating how the reception of this work evolved over the years.