National Reading of Jan Kochanowski's Poetry, organised by Wyspa TV in cooperation with Studio Grushka, under the Honorary Patronage of the Presidential Couple.

Author/Editor Maria Anna Furman

On Saturday, 23 August 2025, a unique literary gathering took place at the intimate Studio Grushka in Rochdale, organised by Wyspa TV as part of the nationwide and Polish diaspora initiative National Reading. This year’s edition was devoted to the works of Jan Kochanowski, whose “Songs”, “Epigrams” (Fraszki), and “Laments” (Treny) constitute not only the foundation of Polish literature, but also a universal testimony to the human experience.

The event was opened by Maria Anna Furman, the editor-in-chief of Wyspa TV, who reminded the audience that National Reading is an initiative inaugurated in 2012 under the honorary patronage of the Presidential Couple. Each year, thousands of Poles in the country and abroad gather to rediscover the power of words spoken aloud. “Do not abandon hope, whatever happens”, with this motto of Jan Kochanowski, the event was opened, giving it a philosophical tone.

The warm hospitality of Studio Grushka was provided by hosts Grażyna Trybuła and Robert Rogulski, who received heartfelt thanks and a deep bow of gratitude from the organisers and all participants.

Readers of the evening

The National Reading featured readers representing various professional backgrounds:

1. Olga Pietrzak-Elias
2. Aneta Papatolios
3. Agnieszka Plucińska-Kazub
4. Elżbieta Dolistowska
5. Przemysław Majdak - Production Director and co-founder of Wyspa TV
6. Maria Anna Furman - Editor-in-Chief and co-founder of Wyspa TV

Each of the participants brought an individual tone and emotional depth to the works, highlighting the relevance of the poet’s thought more than four centuries later.

Although representatives of the Consulate General of the Republic of Poland in Manchester were also invited to the event, they ultimately did not attend. The meeting, however, unfolded in a warm and cordial atmosphere, with the presence of the local Polish community giving it a unique character and underscoring the importance of shared reading.

The program was divided into three parts, reflecting the most important genres of Jan Kochanowski’s work:

Songs presenting measure, responsibility, and civic reflection.

Epigrams (Fraszki) are filled with irony, witty punchlines, and sensitivity to the details of everyday life.

Laments (Treny) is a cycle in which the poet broke with the classical model, giving mourning a personal and universal dimension.

The recitations were interwoven with commentary on the history of the individual works, emphasising that the personal tragedy of loss became the impulse for the creation of the Laments.

Symbols of Polish identity were present in Studio Grushka: a large National Reading banner hung in a prominent place, while the space was adorned with the Polish and British flags. Each participant held a Polish flag in their hand, underlining their pride and national belonging. It was a deeply moving sight, the Polish language resounded in the heart of Britain, accompanied by the national colours, a reminder of the enduring ties to the homeland. Wyspa TV once again demonstrated that nurturing Polish identity and tradition is a cornerstone of its mission.

There was also coffee, tea, fruit, and delicious refreshments provided by the hosts at Studio Grushka together with the Wyspa TV team. The setting created an atmosphere of hospitality and closeness, encouraging conversations about new projects. The meeting naturally evolved into a space for networking within such intimate conditions, and relationships were forged that will certainly bear fruit in future friendships and initiatives.

The event concluded with the reminder that literature, read aloud together, builds bridges across borders and divisions. “Abroad, and yet at home-in our native language”, summed up editor-in-chief Maria Anna Furman.

At the close of the evening, Wyspa TV presented the participants with beautiful acknowledgements to honour their contribution and engagement in this unique event. This gesture emphasised how important it is to value collective efforts in preserving Polish culture and literature abroad.

The recording of the program will be broadcast on September 6, 2025, on Wyspa TV, as part of the official National Reading campaign.