Jan Dorman. A History of His Life and Work (1912-1986)

Ewa Tomaszewska

University of Silesia in Katowice (Poland)
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4442-2833

Marzenna Wiśniewska

The Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń (Poland)
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7126-2102

Abstract

Jan Dorman (b. Dębowa Góra, now Sosnowiec, 1912–d. Będzin, 1986) was a teacher, director, stage designer, author of texts for theatre, founder of the Experimental Child’s Theatre (ETD) in Sosnowiec (1945–1951) and The Children of Zagłębie’s Theatre (TDZ) in Będzin, which has been named after him (1951–1977), lecturer at the Faculty of Puppetry in Wrocław, Branch of the State Academic School of Theatre (PWST) in Krakow, now Stanisław Wyspiański Academy of Theatre Arts (1978–1986), promoter of culture in Będzin. His theatre practice situated itself between children’s theatre, young spectator’s theatre, puppet theatre, avant-garde art theatre and experiments close to the happening. Dorman’s performances were presented at many festivals internationally; the work of TDZ that he directed represented Poland at the International Exhibition of Stage Design in Amiens, France (1969). Dorman wrote and adapted texts for theatre, composed and selected music, designed the sets (along with his son, Jacek), initiated the “Herody” review of folk productions, maintained extensive contacts with Polish and foreign theatre communities, contributed regularly to theatre  magazines (including Scena, Teatr Lalek, Teatr), and he published his book Children Playing at Theatre. Throughout his life, Dorman recorded his practice through meticulously produced archival documentation. 

Keywords:

Jan Dorman, Experimental Child’s Theatre, The Children of Zagłębie’s Theatre, Janina Dorman, Będzin, theatre archives, puppet theatre, Polish theatre, experimental theatre