Instytut Teatralny im. Mieczysława Hertza

Mieczysława Hertza została powołana w celu ochrony dziedzictwa kulturowego Łodzi w zakresie twórczości artystycznej oraz prowadzenia badań skupionych wokół szeroko rozumianej kultury, edukacji i praktyki teatralnej. It operates on the territory of the Republic of Poland and abroad. The Foundation was established by Jacek Orłowski, theatre director and professor of the National Academy of Theatre

Arts in Kraków and the Film School in Łódź. Since its inception, the Foundation has engaged outstanding artists and cultural researchers from Poland and abroad. The Foundation bodies are comprised of the Board and the Programme Council. The inauguration of the Foundation took place on 20th October 2016 under the patronage of the Mayor of the City of Łódź and the Marshal of the Łódź Province. Jacek Orłowski prepared a performative reading of Mieczysław Hertz's drama entitled “Ananke”, which premiered at the Victoria Theatre (vis-a-vis the Grand Hotel) on 20th October, 1903, in the former Theatre Room of the Grand Hotel in Łódź. Mieczysław Hertz (born on 2nd January 1870 in Warsaw, died on 18th January 1943 in the Warsaw Ghetto), a Polish merchant of Jewish origin, historian, writer and economic activist was one of the most important social and local government activists in Łódź in the years 1892–1939. The appointment of Mieczysław Hertz as the patron of the Foundation is a form of commemoration of his contribution to the development of the civil society in Łódź. The aim of the Foundation is to protect the cultural heritage of Łódź in the field of artistic creation related to theatre and to conduct interdisciplinary research focused on broadly understood culture, education and theatre practice. Activities are carried out in three areas defined as: documentation, education and creation.
“Documentation” is a collection and archiving of all kinds of documents and testimonies of material culture connected with the history of dramatic theatres in Łódź.
“Education” includes activities related to the dissemination of knowledge about the history of Łódź theatres as well as the promotion of the achievements of artists and theatrical institutions related to this environment. It is equally important to disseminate knowledge about cultural phenomena belonging to the universal heritage of humanity.
“Creation” is bringing to life new and original artistic, educational and intellectual proposals opening new horizons in the culture of the 21st century. The Foundation's activities include: theatre performances, art exhibitions, performative readings, scientific conferences, discussion panels, documentary films and various types of publishing projects such as audiobooks or book publications. MAT ( Master's Academy of Theatre)

This is an original project of prof. Jacek Orłowski realized by the Mieczysław Hertz Theatre Institute in cooperation with partners from Poland and abroad. This project aims to establish an international research centre on new methods of education for artists from various fields of theatre-related art. The confrontation of various styles of thinking and educational forms is intended to be a way of looking for original and innovative methods of education which respond to the art adepts’ needs in the 21st century.