Written during a turbulent time in Polish history, the father of Polish theatre penned an opera that was the model for Polish works that came after. Written partly as a record of the political situation during the end of the 18th century, a time when the cloud of partition hung over Poland, Kosciuszki had returned from fighting in America's independence, and Kołłątaj was signing the first constitution, "Cracovians and Highlanders" by Wojciech Bogusławski and music composed by Jan Stefani is a timeless piece that still resonates with audiences today.