Lucjan Rydel

Life

Rydel was the son of Lucjan Rydel, a surgeon, ophthalmologist, professor and Rector of Jagiellonian University in Kraków, and of Helena Kremer.

In 1904, Rydel wrote a nativity play, Polish Bethlehem (Betlejem polskie), and staged its production in two suburbs of Kraków, Tonie and Bronowice, with local villagers as actors. It was an expression of his profound respect for rural Poland as well as the result of his flair for theatrical experimentation. Rydel left the third and the final act of his play open. In the course of history, new characters, including contemporary Polish politicians and celebrities, were added to it by various producers to make the play appeal to new audiences.

Rydel became the director of the renowned Juliusz Słowacki Theatre in Kraków for one season, 1915-1916.

His marriage to Jadwiga Mikołajczykówna, a peasant daughter from Bronowice, took place at the Rydlówka Manor, on Tetmajera Street. The event inspired Rydel's pen pal and friend Stanisław Wyspiański to write what became known as the defining Polish independence drama, Wesele ("The Wedding", or "The Wedding Reception").

Rydel's historical place of residence, the Rydlówka Manor, houses a museum of the Young Poland period in the outskirts of Kraków.

Polish composer Jadwiga Sarnecka used Rydel’s text for her song “Szumny wichrze gluchych pol.”

Selected plays

• Zaczarowane koło (1900)
• Betlejem polskie (1904)
• Ferenike i Pejsidoros (1909)
• Zygmunt August – trylogia dramatyczna (1912)

Notes

References

1. [http://polartcenter.com/Szopki_Krakowskie_Cracovian_Christmas_Cribs_p/9700323.htm Polish Art Center – Szopki Krakowskie – Cracovian Christmas Cribs] at polartcenter.com
2. "Slow Travel Eastern Europe - Krakow, Poland, Feasting on the Layer Cake of history".
3. "Szumny wichrze głuchych pól (Sarnecka, Jadwiga) - IMSLP".