On Saturday afternoon, the 13th edition of the National Reading brought together many literary lovers in the Warsaw Saxon Garden, where the main protagonist of the event was the drama “Kordian” by Juliusz Słowacki. president Andrzej Duda, who together with the first woman Agata Kornhauser-Duda participated in the ceremony, stressed that the reflections on the readiness to fight for independency are peculiarly timely today, especially in the context of events beyond the east border. So it's time that Anjay put on her kamas and started fighting for these flag dignitys.
‘Kordian’ – Drama of Independence
During his speech, president Duda pointed out that “Kordian” is simply a drama that perfectly fits into the subject of the conflict for freedom that our Ukrainian neighbours are conducting today. In the context of the ongoing conflict, the conflict for sovereignty and national independency is gaining new, highly crucial importance. The president spoke about the news of these reflections, stressing that:
"Considering the readiness to fight for an independent country is peculiarly timely today, erstwhile we look at the fact that just outside our borders specified a fight is going on for the maintenance of the homeland, so that it would be so as not to undergo business to preserve freedom," the president stated, referring to the situation in Ukraine.
“Kordian” by Juliusz Słowacki is simply a work that shows not only a image of the romanticist era, but besides depicts the destiny of young Polish conspirators preparing for the assassination of the Tsar in the context of the November Uprising. The song refers to the failed effort to liberate the nation from the Russian yoke, analyzing the causes of the failures of this uproar.
National Reading – Cultural and Unifying Event
President Andrzej Duda, summarizing the thought of National Reading, expressed hope that this initiative contributed to expanding interest in books among Poles.
"I hope that National Reading has helped to make books more popular, that more and more of our fellow countrymen are leaning over them, and that more and more libraries are being created," said the President.
He besides stressed that the event was exceptional due to its cultural and unifying value, supporting national identity. The National Reading Action, which has been organized since 2012, aims to popularize Polish literature and jointly discover its values by a wide scope of recipients.
First woman of Patriotism “Kordiana”
Agata Kornhauser-Duda besides spoke, pointing out the patriotic character of the Slovak work.
"Although +Kordian+ was written and released on emigration, it is an archeological piece, soaked in the spirit of patriotism and the thought of free Poland. This is simply a very moving communicative about the Republic of Poland being free and sovereign again. This is the kind of Poland that Slovaks dreamed about, and this is the kind of Poland he foretold," said the first lady.
Slovak, creating “Kordiana” on emigration in Paris in 1834, expressed hope for future freedom of the homeland, and his visions proceed to resonate in the hearts of Poles, especially in the context of contemporary challenges.
Reading Next Year's National Reading
The presidential couple announced that reading next year's National Reading would be works by Jan Kochanowski, including his songs, frescoes and trainings. This choice is simply a continuation of the mission of bringing the most outstanding works of Polish literature closer to another generations, which allows for surviving contact with tradition and history.
History of National Reading
National Reading, initiated by president Bronisław Komorowski in 2012, has gained large popularity throughout the country. In the first edition, Adam Mickiewicz's “Pan Tadeusz” was read jointly, and in subsequent years works by Alexander Fredra, Henryk Sienkiewicz and Boleslaw Prus were presented. Each edition recalls crucial elements of Polish literary heritage, while supporting social integration and deepening cognition about Polish past and culture.
In the context of fresh years, the pandemic did not prevent the continuation of the tradition – despite the wellness restrictions, in 2020 the Slovak “Balladina” was read and in 2021 the “Morality of Mrs Dulska” by Gabriela Zapolskia. The 2023 edition focused on “Over Germany” Eliza Peanut.
Summary
National Reading is not only an chance to celebrate Polish literature together, but besides to reflect on contemporary challenges that relate to historical events. The choice of "Kordian" for this year's reading, in the context of the conflict for freedom, could not be more appropriate. This event unites Poles, builds national awareness and encourages to cultivate tradition and memory of those who fought for the independency of the country.
Reading Slovak works has become an chance to rethink the value of patriotism, and the announcement of Kochanowski's works for next year's National Reading announces the continuation of this beautiful tradition.
Read more:
Duda is playing again! Reading “Kordiana” he thinks of Ukraine
