Melpomene`s Face-lift.

You might think that it has been ages since anything interesting happened on the Polish theatre scene. If so, think again. In Warsaw, teenage theatre lovers can find everything they could hope for - and more.

The critics often complain that the repertoire is not diverse enough. The actors are unskilful and the directors are lax.

There might be a substantial dose of truth in such an image of Polish theatre, but it is by no means a complete one. Young people tend to perceive theatre with "adult" eyes and criteria. Others still recall the idea of the "suggested reading" theatre introduced by Minister Andrzej Celiński earlier this year. But it's time to see that Minister Celiński is gone and so is his project. Meanwhile, theatre created both by and for young people is blooming. So, if you thought of Melpomene as a rather old and unattractive lady, it looks like she has just had a face-lift and now hangs out with the young crowd.

Warsaw alone is so abundant in opportunities for theatre-freaks that it would be impossible to mention them all in one short text. The annual Universal Artistic Presentations Review, commonly known as PUPA, is perhaps the most renowned event of that kind. While you do not need any professional acting experience to take part in the Review, the awards give prestige which opens (almost) all doors. The amateur theatre of the Consequently Inconsequent has won the PUPA Grand Prix twice. Today they have their own firm position on Warsaw's cultural scene.

While PUPA was devised mainly for university students, younger theatre fans can find their niche in the Old Town Culture House, which is famous for its Melpomene at the School Desk Festival. The winner takes part in a nationwide contest and who knows where and when you can meet a head hunter?

For those who favour traditional acting, the Rozmaito¶ci Theatre organises "read through" rehearsals every month. And in the summer Warsaw is teeming with excitement - young people from allover the world seek advice during the International Dramatic School Festival.

Sounds tempting? All you have to do is start seeing Melpomene as your (a bit older) friend. And then - who knows? Maybe it is you who will be the next Laurence Olivier?