A Theatrical Dialogue on War: "The Cherry Orchard" Directed by Pawel Lysak as a Commentary on Conflict and Cultural Identity

Abstract

The paper analyzes the 2025 production of “The Cherry Orchard” directed by Paweł Łysak at the Powszechny Theatre in Warsaw, interpreting it as a response to the Russian-Ukrainian war and a broader reflection on cultural identity. The production is considered within the context of the Polish theatrical tradition, particularly the idea of “the theatre that interferes” championed by Zygmunt Hübner. Łysak’s staging removes the play from its traditional Russian context, positioning it instead in a post-catastrophic setting that evokes themes of loss, memory, and renewal. The paper explores how Łysak engages in intercultural dialogue by reinterpreting Chekhov’s text through contemporary socio-political lenses, including war, resettlement, and identity crisis. The inclusion of Ukrainian actor Artem Manuilov and wartime references – such as a real-life evacuation announcement – intensifies the play’s emotional and political relevance. The director’s minimalist scenography and symbolic use of space underline a sense of existential dislocation, with clear references to Samuel Beckett’s works. Ultimately, the article argues that “The Cherry Orchard,” in this reinterpretation, becomes a powerful tool for exploring the tensions between tradition and change, and the persistence of cultural memory in times of upheaval.

Original title in Polish: "Teatralny dialog o wojnie: 'Wiśniowy sad' w reżyserii Pawła Łysaka jako komentarz do konfliktu i tożsamości kulturowej."