National Reading Campaign 2023 in South Africa - "Nad Niemnem" by Eliza Orzeszkowa
02.12.2023
On the initiative of the President of the Republic of Poland, Andrzej Duda, the 12th edition of the National Reading campaign was held this year under the honorary patronage of the Presidential Couple. The work of Eliza Orzeszkowa "Nad Niemnem" was selected as the reading of the campaign.
The Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Pretoria took part in this honourable event for the seventh time. The introductory speech was delivered by the Consul of the Republic of Poland, Robert Rusiecki, and Magda Górna, teacher of the Polish School in Pretoria, and the whole event was moderated by Lidia Moń, head of the Polish School in Pretoria. Magda Górna also delivered a lecture on Polish literature and the work of Eliza Orzeszkowa. She also introduced the participants of the event to the origins of the National Reading campaign.
"Nad Niemnem" by Eliza Orzeszkowa is one of the works that constitute the canon of Polish literature. It is an atmospheric book, written in a colourful language, and at the same time resonant and evocative in its patriotic message. The novel features the theme of the January Uprising (1863 – 1864), the 160th anniversary of which falls this year.
In previous years, the following works were read: "Pan Tadeusz" by Adam Mickiewicz, works by Aleksander Fredro, "Trylogy" by Henryk Sienkiewicz, "Lalka" by Bolesław Prus, "Quo Vadis" by Henryk Sienkiewicz, "Wesele" by Stanisław Wyspiański, "Przedwiośnie" by Stefan Żeromski , Polish novellas, "Balladyna" by Juliusz Słowacki, "Moralność Pani Dulskiej" by Gabriela Zapolska and "Ballads and Romances" by Adam Mickiewicz.
Photos: Joanna Fidos
