[1][2][3] While working as a surveyor in Viciebsk, Minsk and Mahilioŭ provinces of the Russian empire he acquired interest in and started recording Belarusian songs, folk legends and stories.

Local intelligentsia and common people alike sincerely greeted the [troupe], the mighty idea of national revival warmed everyone with its hot rays, united everyone, stirred their frozen hearts, sparkled their eyes dulled from heat, and the first native word from the stage was welcomed by more than one tear."

“There was no end to the cheers [during the performance in Polacak]: the whole hall was buzzing like a beehive with swarming bees… The Belarusian theatre is becoming grounded on solid foundations, thanks to the actions and zeal of Uncle Ihnat Bujnicki and new and new forces are emerging.

"[1] In Minsk the artists were covered with roses and after Bujnicki's performances in St. Petersburg and Warsaw, newspapers wrote about the "colossal success" of the troupe, which "awakens in Belarusians a sense of national dignity.

"[2] Bujnicki was a versatile actor himself - he appeared on stage in plays, recited poems, danced, sang solo and in the choir (as a light bass baritone).