Tragikomedia Johanna von Kitschera: między historią, literaturą a teatrem

The article places in a broader context the drama by the Saxon Renaissance writer Johann von Kitscher, Tragicocomedia sive de Iherosolomitana profectione Ilustrissimi Principis Pomeriani, published in Leipzig in 1501, devoted to the expedition of Bogusław X, the Duke of Pomerania,, to Jerusalem, and being the first humanist drama in the Duchy of Pomerania. After a brief profile of the Renessaince author and a recollection of the work’s genesis and its significance for theatrical life in Szczecin, an important context of the work is discussed, namely the Renaissance “debate on theatre”, which Kitscher tried to present as a “worthy” thing, recalling the performance with which Duke Bogusław and his companions were honoured at a feast in Venice. Finally, Kitscher’s creative workshop and the techniques with which he transforms history into literature are presented. It is also noted that thanks to the presence of the Polish translation of the work (also with Latin version) on the reading market, more readers can take a closer look at it and ask themselves whether this text is still “alive”.