Performing history and cultural memory through ancient drama: the case of contemporary Polish theatre.

This article examines the ethico-political function of contemporary Polish theatre through three site-specific productions—*Orestes* by Michał Zadara, *Ajax. The Machine* by Natalia Korczakowska, and *Wałęsa at Colonus* by Bartosz Szydłowski—that perform history and cultural memory by adapting motifs and characters from ancient Greek tragedies. These performances engage critically with pivotal moments in Polish history (post-1918 independence, the 1944 Warsaw Rising, and the 1989 Solidarity movement) to challenge hegemonic narratives and contribute to the refurbishment of the Romantic paradigm that has historically shaped Polish identity. By situating their works in meaningful locations and employing classical reception as a dialogical method, the artists create agonistic public spaces where the political and aesthetic intersect, enabling reflection on the past, present, and future of Polish cultural memory. The article highlights how these theatrical practices serve as forms of cultural critique and political engagement, fostering inclusive community dialogue and reconsidering national identity beyond traditional heroic and messianic frameworks.