The Poor Theatre Manifesto

The Poor Theatre Manifesto, developed by Polish director Jerzy Grotowski in the 1960s, advocates for a minimalist approach to theatre. It emphasizes the importance of actors' genuine performance and emotional connection over elaborate sets, costumes, or technical effects. The idea is to strip theatre down to its essentials—focusing on the actor's craft and the audience's direct engagement—making the experience more authentic and personal. This approach encourages raw, truthful expression and aims to create a deeper, more meaningful connection between performers and viewers without relying on expensive or complicated staging.