The origins and development of theater in Poland began in the Middle Ages with religious liturgical dramas performed in Krakow. In the Renaissance era, secular comedies became popular among the elite and were written by Polish authors like Mikolaj Rej and Jan Kochanowski. Polish theaters were further influenced by itinerant English and Italian theater troupes, leading to the establishment of the first permanent theaters in the 17th century. After periods of censorship and loss of independence, the theater flourished again in the early 20th century with playwrights like Stanislaw Wyspianski. Today, Poland has over 30 major theaters and is home to renowned playwrights, directors and performers that contribute to Polish