EN
This text emerged gradually in the course of several years. Its consecutive stages were composed of author's presentations at numerous conferences and symposia dedicated to Jerzy Grotowski. For many people Grotowski was, and remains primarily a «spiritual master», a sage and a guru, while others consider him to be an outstanding politician and strategist who managed to successfully tackle even the most difficult circumstances. The author regards Grotowski from the very outset as a great artist, which he remained throughout his entire life. Would we be discussing Grotowski, however, if not for his theatre achievements, those several plays which have become part of world theatre history: 'Akropolis' (Acropolis), 'Tragiczne dzieje doktora Fausta' (The Tragical History of Doctor Faustus), 'Ksiaze Niezlomny' (The Constant Prince), or 'Apocalypsis cum Figuris'? And does the other reason not lie in his rank in the art of the theatre, achieved primarily thanks to productions dating from the 1960s? Let us also not omit the fact that if it were not for the theatrical stage in Grotowski's life all his subsequent experiences and eventual artistic efforts would have assumed an entirely different form. There is no one way of experiencing Grotowski's accomplishments, nor is there an exclusive truth about him. Lastly, the author calls for care, patience and the avoidance of all «shortcuts», since the only thing of which he can be certain is his firm conviction that in this case all shortcuts are a mere mirage.