The Stary Theatre in Cracow has. since the death of its former director Konrad Swinarski, enjoyed a reputation for more eclectic work than those Polish theatres identified with a single, strong directorial ‘line’. Its recent season nevertheless reveals that this ‘old’ playhouse, as its name translates, remains in the vanguard of new and experimental work, with three productions of contrasting styles but shared stature – Wajda's Crime and Punishment. Pasolini's Affabulazione. and Bradecki's A Pattern of Metaphysical Evidence. The leading Polish critic Andrzej Żurowski. who is also vice-president of the International Association of Theatre Critics, provides an evocative comparison of plays, directors, and styles.