Abstract

This paper deals with the classical dramatic text and its staging in contemporary theatre. Specifi cally, it aims to show that classical texts can address topical issues. This is illustrated by the example of several stagings of Ivan Cankar’s Hlapci, one of the most infl uential dramatic texts in Slovene literature. The history of this dramatic text is presented from its fi rst publication and reception to the different stagings in various Slovene professional theatres. The focus is on how the situation in Slovene society is refl ected in each examined staging. The drama Hlapci was fi rst staged almost one hundred years ago, when the staging followed closely the dramatic text. However, after 1980 stagings became more independent from the text and more artistic freedom was allowed. The paper will prove that classical dramatic texts are very appropriate for staging in contemporary theatre, especially with an innovative director’s approach.

Highlights

  • Theatre, as well as other art forms, is always a reflection of time and of a social, political and cultural situation

  • I find it especially interesting to ask the question about the value of classical dramatic texts for contemporary theatre

  • This paper presents the history of Hlapci, from its publication and its first reception to the different performances in various Slovene professional theatres

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Summary

Introduction

Theatre, as well as other art forms, is always a reflection of time and of a social, political and cultural situation. The presence of classical dramatic texts in the repertoires of many theatres shows that they can address topical issues and are interesting for staging. I find it especially interesting to ask the question about the value of classical dramatic texts for contemporary theatre. This paper presents the history of Hlapci, from its publication and its first reception to the different performances in various Slovene professional theatres.

Results
Conclusion

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