The evening is produced by THEOS – Theatre and Opera Society together with the Polish & Slavic Center (Centrum Polsko-Słowiańskie). It takes place in the Center’s gallery under the honorary patronage of the Consulate General of the Republic of Poland in New York. Adults and children from Polish weekend schools are welcome, and refreshments follow the program.
Two events in one evening – what is on the program?
The first part is a historical show of poetry and song, built around the Polish songs and verse that accompanied Poland’s long struggle for independence. The second part is a recitation festival for children and teenagers from Polish schools, closing with diplomas and gifts.
Why Kościuszko? His 280th birthday and America’s 250th
This year’s edition is dedicated to Tadeusz Kościuszko, marking the 280th anniversary of his birth and honoring his part in the American War of Independence as the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary. The audience will follow his story from birth, with the allegorical figures of Homeland, Son of the Nation and Poetry, to his years in America and his meeting with George Washington. The show continues with the Kościuszko Oath on the Main Market Square in Kraków, performed with the “Krakus” Choir and accompanist Ola Watras, and also takes the audience to a reception for Kościuszko hosted by the Czartoryski family in Sieniawa, the scene of a little-known ceremony.
Cast
- Homeland – Kasia Drucker
- Poetry – Anna Kucay
- Son of the Nation – Andrew Michoń
- Kościuszko – Tadeusz Nowak
- The Princess’s Daughter – Halina Jaworska
- George Washington – Leszek Wiśniewski
- Izabela Czartoryska – Dr. Luiza Raab-Pontecorvo
- “Krakus” Choir, accompanist – Ola Watras
Guest of honor: Dr. Luiza Raab-Pontecorvo
The guest of honor is Dr. Luiza Raab-Pontecorvo, an artist and ambassador of Polish heritage. She plays Princess Izabela Czartoryska and presents patriotic woodwork from CraftMind Designs: a historical collection she designed and her husband, Bart Pontecorvo, crafted. Several pieces also serve as stage design. Visitors can also see an exhibition of artwork by seniors from the “Krakus” art group, led by Agnieszka Nowińska of Agni’s Art.
“The Alphabet of Free Children” – recitations by Polish school students
In the festival part, children and teens will recite 10 poems from “Abecadło Wolnych Dzieci” (The Alphabet of Free Children) by Artur Oppman, known by his pen name Or-Ot. Each poem stands for one letter and tells of events, battles or figures important to both Poland and America. Students come from:
- Father Augustyn Kordecki Polish School,
- Maria Konopnicka Polish School,
- the Polish school (PSS) at Sts. Cyril and Methodius Parish,
- Maria Skłodowska-Curie Polish School at the Consulate General of the Republic of Poland in New York.
Children and schools will receive diplomas for promoting the Polish language, and an invited guest will present gifts.
Who organizes and funds the evening?
The organizers are THEOS – Theatre and Opera Society and the Polish & Slavic Center. The program is co-funded by the Freedom and Democracy Foundation (Fundacja Wolność i Demokracja) through its “MINIGRANTY_2026” regranting competition, using Polish state budget funds.
Polish Poetry Festival 2026 at a glance
- What: “Song and Poetry – the Breath of Freedom of the Polish Nation – Polish Poetry Festival” (“Pieśń i Poezja Tchnieniem Wolności Narodu Polskiego – Festiwal Poezji Polskiej”)
- When: Friday, November 6, 2026, 6:30 PM
- Where: Polish & Slavic Center, 177 Kent Street, Brooklyn, NY 11222
- Presented by: THEOS – Theatre and Opera Society and the Polish & Slavic Center
- Audience: adults and children from Polish schools; refreshments after the program
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