| Abstract [eng] |
Subject of the present Paper is expressions of national identity at theatre. The aim of the present Paper is to find out what type of nationality is reflected at plays of drama theatres. Analysis of various sources (repertoires of theatres, reviews of plays) has been selected as well some theatre people were interviewed and questionnaires for the society have been prepared in order to find out what part of the society’s life was taken by theatre. There are 13 state theatres operating in Lithuania, 8 of them are drama theatres. Such a number could be related to the established tradition in the cultural life in Lithuania. Analysis of 4 state drama theatres’ (National, Kaunas, Panevėžys J. Miltinis, and Šiauliai) repertoires has been selected for the research in order to find out what part of theatre repertoires is taken by national dramaturgy and what are the prevailing tendencies related to certain events in Lithuania or consequences thereof. The importance of theatre is very great in the society. Theatre is a form of public art enabling communication, speaking about the subjects that are relevant to the society or an individual. There is no coincidence that theatre is one of those cultural institutions where activities are under censorship in case of totalitarian or authoritarian regimes (we can remember the example of USSR). During the Soviet period the Lithuanian Theatre managed to remain as an opposite of the former order and to foster national consciousness, for instance, by means of historic staging. After 1990, when the political situation changed, theatre moved to the stage of searching, staging of experimental plays. The conception of national identity includes various spheres: dramaturgy, direction, scenography etc. Furthermore, national elements, reflected in plays, are expressed through use of the Lithuanian language, the prism of national mentality. The number of national dramaturgy remains rather small, even though delicate, in drama theatres. Selection of dramaturgic pieces of art is determined by creative desires of directors. |
