![The cover of Mimika [Facial expressions] by Wojciech Bogusławski, the second part of his textbook for drama schools Dramaturgia, czyli nauka sztuki scenicznej dla Szkoły Teatralnej [Dramaturgy, or Stagecraft for Theatre School], first edition: Warsaw 1812.](/uploads/repository/kalendarium/mimika-boguslawskiego.jpg)
Because Lublin had a purpose-built theatre starting from 1822, the city, second largest in the Congress Poland, became an important location on the map of the Polish provincial theatre. It welcomed the renowned travelling troupes from Warsaw, Kraków or Lviv, but also saw the emergence of new ensembles that went on to tour the country.
In 1838, managing director Tomasz A. Chechłowski put forward to the authorities of the Lublin Governorate the idea to establish in the city a Drama and Ballet School for actors from the provinces. At the time, the only establishment educating future thespians was the Warsaw school set up by Wojciech Bogusławski in 1811.
Unfortunately, Chechłowski’s vision of Lublin as the capital of the Polish provincial theatre failed to capture the authorities. Similarly, later such initiatives of Lublin entrepreneurs failed to ensure the approval of the authorities or the necessary funds.
Drawings from Bogusławski’s book Mimika showing facial expressions for the following: laughter, fear, hostility, terror, sadness.
