Influence of Karol Wojtyła’s Theatrical Experiences and Acting Predispositions on the Character of John Paul II’s Public Appearances

Abstract

RESEARACH OBJECTIVE: The aim of the article is to show the relationship between Karol Wojtyła’s theatrical experiences and his acting predispositions and the later behavior of John Paul II during his public appearances.

THE RESEARCH PROBLEM AND METHODS: The issue discussed in the text revolves around the following questions: Did Karol Wojtyła’s theatrical experiences and his selected skills have an impact on the character of John Paul II’s later public appearances? If so, what was this impact? What was expressed in? The methods used to investigate the problem were: literature review and analysis of video recordings.

THE PROCESS OF ARGUMENTATION: The first part introduces Karol Wojtyła’s theatrical past, focusing on his ties to Mieczysław Kotlarczyk’s Rapsodic Theater. In the second part, the Pope’s behavior during his public speeches is presented on a few examples. The third part shows the impact of John Paul II’s acting predispositions and acting experience on these behaviors.

RESEARCH RESULTS: The analysis shows that John Paul II used both his theatrical experience gained with Kotlarczyk and his inborn predispositions in his public appearances. He used them very skillfully. They helped him build a stronger bond with his audience, won him their affection and made him more convincing. They made the content of his homilies or speeches on top of the way they were delivered, attract the attention of the audience.

CONCLUSIONS, INNOVATIONS, AND RECOMMENDATION: The Polish Pope had highly developed communication skills, he was able to use various means of expression. He had innate acting skills and acting education, which he also used in his pastoral and preaching work. The article shows selected papal behaviors during his public speeches, in which the influence of his theatrical experiences can be seen.