Polish Bethlehem

Lucjan Rydel’s Polish Bethlehem (Betlejem Polskie) is Mazowsze's signature Christmas Show. First staged in 2018 to commemorate the centenary of Poland regaining its independence and to celebrate Mazowsze’s 70th birthday, the production is set across three time periods: in the present day, in Poland’s past and in biblical times. The action takes place against a backdrop of Polish landscapes and historical events. Jesus is born in a Polish stable, the biblical Herod  is not only the ruler of ancient Palestine but also oppressor and “Russifier”, while the Three Kings are Poland’s great rulers: Kazimierz the Great, Władysław Jagiełło and Jan III Sobieski.

Alluding to key moments in Polish history, including the banishments to Siberia and the Warsaw Uprising of 1944, with a strong patriotic flavour, this is nonetheless a colourful, festive show, full of dancing, singing and humour, featuring the most well-known and loved Polish Christmas carols, choruses of angels and, of course, the Holy Family.

Over 150 actors, singers, dancers and musicians will be taking part in this production.

Please note that this production is in Polish.

„Betlejem Polskie” has been co-financed by the Ministry for Culture and National Heritage and by the Mazowieckie Voivodeship.