Poland in South Africa

The Polish Embassy in Pretoria took part in this honourable event for the eighth time, which took place on December 7, 2024. Magda Górna, a teacher at the Polish School, led the entire event. The introductory speech was given by the Consul of the Republic of Poland Robert Rusiecki. Magda Górna also gave a lecture on Polish literature and the work of Juliusz Słowacki. She also introduced the gathered participants to the origins of the National Reading.

Juliusz Słowacki wrote “Kordian” in Switzerland. “Kordian” was intended to be a trilogy concerning national events from the years 1825–1831. However, the poet only completed the first part – “The Coronation Conspiracy”, and the next two parts were never written. The work was published anonymously in 1834 in Paris. The author presented in it a picture of the era and a romantic vision of the fate of the generation of Polish conspirators, making the conspiracy of officer cadets, related to the preparations for the assassination of Tsar Nicholas I, the starting point. However, the main theme refers directly to the November Uprising, among others through an analysis of the causes and effects of the defeat of the freedom uprising. “Kordian” is considered one of the most important and best known works of the poet.

In previous years, the following works were read: "Pan Tadeusz" by Adam Mickiewicz, works of Aleksander Fredro, "Trilogy" by Henryk Sienkiewicz, "Doll" (Lalka) by Bolesław Prus, "Quo Vadis" by Henryk Sienkiewicz, "Wedding" by Stanisław Wyspiański, "Early Spring" (Przedwiośnie) by Stefan Żeromski, Polish short stories, "Balladyna" by Juliusz Słowacki, "The Morality of Mrs. Dulska" (Moralność Pani Dulskiej) by Gabriela Zapolska, "Ballads and Romances" (Ballady i Romanse) by Adam Mickiewicz, "On the Niemen" (Nad Niemnem) by Eliza Orzeszkowa. The reading of next year's 14th edition will be the poetry of Jan Kochanowski - his songs, epigrams and laments.

Photos: Grażyna Koornhof/Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Pretoria