Jadwiga Leśniak-Jankowska
General and Artistic Director
Professor at the AST National Academy of Theatre Arts in Kraków. She lectures at the Acting Department (specialties: dramatic and vocal-acting) and at the Faculty of the Dance Theatre in Bytom (specialty: dance theatre actor). She lectured also: Song, Visual arts of stage movement, Customs of the past and present, Elementary acting tasks, Fundamentals of acting, Dance theater forms.
Actress, choreographer, director, teacher, general and artistic director of the Krakow Chamber Opera. She comes from Kraków, where she graduated the Adam Mickiewicz 6th Upper Secondary School. A graduate of the Acting Department of the Ludwik Solski National Academy of Theatre Arts in Kraków (nowadays: AST National Academy of Theatre Arts in Kraków). She studied under the supervision of, among others, prof. prof. Zofia Jaroszewska, Jerzy Goliński, Jerzy Krasowski and Zofia Więcławówna.
A specialist in the field of the visual scenic movement covering issues related to the forms and styles of stage movement, the history of customs and costume, and in the field of historical court dance.
An actress of Kraków theaters (Teatr Ludowy, Julisz Słowacki Theater in Kraków). She worked, among others with such directors as: K. Skuszanka, J. Goliński, I. Babel, I. Wollen, R. Zioło, M. Grabowski, D. Baduszkowa, W. Jankowski. Important roles: Klitemnestra in “Elektra” by J. Giraudaux (diploma role), Balladyna in “Balladyna” by J. Słowacki (diploma role), Lady-Princess Alice of Nevermore in “Kurka Wodna” by Witkacy (diploma role) Goplana in “Balladyna” by J. Słowacki (Julisz Słowacki Theater in Kraków), Aniela in “Maiden Vows” by A. Fredro, Marusia in the musical “Four Tank-Men and the Dog”, Victoria in “The story of the clicker” by A. Vampilov, Aldon in “Konrad Wallenrod” by A. Mickiewicz, Celia in “As You Like” by W. Shakespeare, Krasawic in “Bolesław the Bold” by St. Wyspiański, Death in “Polish Bethlehem” by L. Rydel, Wanda in “A vaudeville romance” by K. Krumłowski, Lyubov in “The Last Ones ” by M. Gorki, Rena in “Hypnosis” by A. Cwojdziński, Elmira in Molier’s ” Tartuffe”, Tatiana in ”The Festivities” by A. Chekhov, Jerish in ” The Little Demon” by F. Sołogub, Generałowa in “November” by H. Rzewuski, Helena in “Brother of Our God” by K. Wojtyła, Bride in “Song of Songs”.
Author of over 100 choreographies and stage movement for theater and television performances directed by, among others J. Jarocki, I. Wollen, R. Zioło, W. Jankowski (including the National Theater in Warsaw, Contemporary Theater in Wrocław, theaters in Opole, Bielsko-Biała, Cieszyn, theaters in Kraków (Bagatela, Ludowy, Groteska, Juliusz Słowacki Theater), TVP Kraków and – in her author’s performances (script, direction, choreography) in Teatr SCENA EL-JOT and in Kraków Chamber Opera).
In 1991 she founded her own music scene, called SCENA EL-JOT, which repertoire refered to the old tradition and customs based on historical dance, music and singing. She established the Academy of Tradition and Custom, in which are held performances, workshops and seminars. Her author’s performances have been presented not only in Kraków and Poland, but also in Paris, Lyon, Frankfurt am Main, Vilnius, both in natural, historical, sacral interiors and open air, as well as in theater interiors.
In 2000, the permanent headquarters of the theater was officially opened in the historic interiors of a tenement house at Miodowa 15 Street in Kraków.
In 2001, the Mayor of the City of Krakow, Andrzej Gołaś, awarded the SCENA EL-JOT theater with the title of the Patron of Krakow’s Culture in the category of activities for the protection of monuments: “for the restoration, renovation and adaptation of the tenement house at 15 Miodowa Street in the Kazimierz district for the needs of the theater. A new theater stage and a new place for cultural education activities were created in the revitalized Kazimierz district. Historic interiors, amphitheatrically designed space is a unique and original place to present theatrical performances, concerts, exhibitions, conferences and educational workshops. The theater promotes young art adepts: actors, artists , musicians, singers and dancers.”
In 2004, the theater expanded its artistic activity and included operatic repertoire and was renamed – its new name is Krakow Chamber Opera. The spectacle which inaugurated the new formula is “Don Pasquale” by G. Donizetti, directed by Wacław Jankowski and choreography by Jadwiga Leśniak-Jankowska. From that moment on, Jadwiga Leśniak-Jankowska and her husband Wacław Jankowski shape the repertoire of the theater.
On December 10, 2011, in Krakow Chamber Opera took place a premiere of the most famous comic opera by Giovanni Battista Pergolesi “La serva padrona” directed by Wacław Jankowski. With this premiere the theater has expanded its artistic activitiesfor a new project: Opera Puppet Theater, where, in addition to vocalists, drama actors, musicians and dancers, puppets and masks also have a full role in the stage activities.
TVP Kraków made two fictionalized documentaries with the participation of Jadwiga Leśniak-Jankowska, devoted to the artistic activity of Jadwiga Leśniak-Jankowska and her husband, Wacław Jankowski: “Portaits” dir. by Katarzyna Kotula and “The world of values according to Mrs. and Mr. Jankowski” dir. by Dagmara Merecik.
In 2009, the Mayor of the City of Krakow, prof. Jacek Majchrowski awarded Jadwiga Leśniak-Jankowska the HONORIS GRATIA badge – in recognition for her activities and initiatives undertaken for the benefit of Krakow, that significantly contribute to its promotion and cultural development. The chairwoman of the Krakow City Council Małgorzata Radwan-Ballada awarded Jadwiga Leśniak – Jankowska with the silver medal of “750th ANNIVERSARY OF THE LOCATION THE CITY OF KRAKOW” on the occasion of her jubilee of artistic and pedagogical work.
In 2012, on the occasion of the jubilee of the theater (20th anniversary), the Mayor of the City of Krakow professor Jacek Majchrowski handed her the symbolic keys to the gates of the city of Krakow, bearing the sentence of CRACOVIA URBS CELEBERRIMA, with the best wishes for many artistic successes.
In 2017, on the occasion of the theater jubilee (25th anniversary), the Marshal of the Lesser Poland Voivodship Jacek Krupa awarded Jadwiga Leśniak-Jankowska with the POLONIA MINOR medal in recognition of her great contribution to shaping the artistic life of Kraków and Lesser Poland, tireless promotion of culture and outstanding social contribution to the region and its inhabitants.
Jadwiga Leśniak – Jankowska is the founder of the ARS CAMERALIS foundation and a member of the Association of the Polish Stage Artists (ZASP).
Wacław Jankowski
General and Artistic Director
An opera, television and theater director, currently the general and artistic director of the Krakow Chamber Opera.
A graduate of the Acting Faculty of the Ludwik Solski National Academy of Theatre Arts in Kraków (nowadays: AST National Academy of Theatre Arts in Kraków), the Directing Faculty of the Aleksander Zelwerowicz National Academy of Dramatic Art in Warsaw (nowadays: The Aleksander Zelwerowicz National Academy of Dramatic Art in Warsaw), as well as a postgraduate studies in architecture and sacred art of the The Pontifical Academy of Theology in Cracow (nowadays: The Pontifical University of John Paul II). He studied acting and directing under the supervision of, among others, prof. Jerzy Jarocki, prof. Jerzy Krasowski and prof. Danuta Michałowska.
He was an actor, among others at the Ludowy Theatre in Krakow and at the Juliusz Słowacki Theatre in Krakow.
Wacław Jankowkski worked as director, among others at the National Theater in Warsaw, at the Ludowy Theater in Krakow, at the J. Kochanowski Theater in Opole, at the Polish Theater in Bielsko-Biała, TV Theater (Krakow, Katowice) and at the Krakow Chamber Opera (nowadays).
He realized, among others, Molière’s “Tartuffe”, F. Durrenmatt’s “The Visit”, “The Game of Love and Death” by R. Rolland, “Marriage” by N. Gogol, “Silence” by R. Brandstaetter, “Hypnosis” by Cwojdziński, “Achilles and the young ladies” by A.M. Swinarski, “The Wolves” by R. Rolland, “George Dandin” by Molière, “Cyclops” by Wł. Terlecki (world premiere), “The Festivities” by A. Chekhov, “Zaide” by W.A. Mozart, “Livietta e Tracollo” by G.B. Pergolesi, “Stabat Mater” by A. Vivaldi / G.B. Pergolesi, “Don Pasquale” by G. Donizetti, “Die Schuldigkeit des Ersten Gebots” by W.A. Mozart, „La serva padrona” by G.B. Pergolesi, „Ich geh’ und suche” by J.S. Bach, „Pimpinone” by G.Ph. Telmann, “La Canterina” by J. Haydn.
Since 1988 he held managerial positions, including: Director of the Polish Theater in Bielsko-Biała and Adam Mickiewicz Theatre in Cieszyn; The Culture and Art Department of the City of Krakow; Faculty of Culture, Sport and Tourism of the Provincial Office in Krakow; Department of Education and Culture of the Marshal’s Office in Krakow; adviser for culture to the Voivode of the Lesserpoland Voivodeship; adviser for culture to the Marshal of the Lesserpoland Voivodeship; founder and director of the Krakow Chamber Opera.
TVP Kraków made two fictionalized documentaries with the participation of Wacław Jankowski, devoted to the artistic activity of Wacław Jankowski and his wife, Jadwiga Leśniak-Jankowska: “Portraits” dir. by Katarzyna Kotula and “The world of values according to Mrs. and Mr. Jankowski” dir. by Dagmara Merecik.
Wacław Jankowski, as a director and a teacher, collaborates with the Academy of Music in Krakow and the Karol Lipiński Academy of Music in Wrocław, carrying out artistic and scientific projects with students of vocal and acting departments.
In 2009, the Mayor of the City of Krakow, prof. Jacek Majchrowski awarded Wacław Jankowski the HONORIS GRATIA badge – in recognition for his activities and initiatives undertaken for the benefit of Krakow that significantly contribute to its promotion and cultural development. The chairwoman of the Krakow City Council Małgorzata Radwan-Ballada awarded Wacław Jankowski with the silver medal of “750th ANNIVERSARY OF THE LOCATION THE CITY OF KRAKOW” on the occasion of his jubilee of artistic and pedagogical work.
In 2012, on the occasion of the jubilee of the theater (20th anniversary), the Mayor of the City of Krakow professor Jacek Majchrowski handed him the symbolic keys to the gates of the city of Krakow, bearing the sentence of CRACOVIA URBS CELEBERRIMA, with the best wishes for many artistic successes.
In 2017, on the occasion of the theater jubilee (25th anniversary), the Marshal of the Lesser Poland Voivodship Jacek Krupa awarded Wacław Jankowski with the POLONIA MINOR medal in recognition of his great contribution to shaping the artistic life of Krakow and Lesser Poland, tireless promotion of culture and outstanding social contribution to the region and its inhabitants.
In 2018, by the Resolution of the Lesser Poland Regional Assembly, in recognition of his merits to the Lesser Poland Voivodship, for creativity and energy in building the opera theater, many years of work for the cultural development of Krakow and Lesser Poland, and undertaking numerous activities and initiatives promoting the region, he was awarded the BRONZE MEDAL OF HONOR for his contribution for Lesser Poland Voivodeship.
President of the ARS CAMERALIS Foundation, Vice-President of the Board of the Section of Musical Theaters of ZASP, President of the Board of the ZASP Branch in Kraków, founding member of the Society of Friends of the Krakow Philharmonic, Association of Non-Institutional Theaters, Lesser Poland Local Government Association, Association of Theater Directors, Polish Society of Landowners.
Creator and organizer of festivals and theater workshops.