Postmodern Versions of A.N. Ostrovsky’s “Life Plays”: Towards the Problem of the Stage Chronotope
Abstract
The poetics of the stage chronotope is addressed by the author as a crucial part of the
broader theme “Postmodernism in Theatrical Arts.” The focus of analytical attention is on the
postmodern adaptations of A.N. Ostrovsky’s plays by contemporary directors. The issue of
postmodernist deconstruction of the literary chronotope and its transformation into a stage
chronotope is identified as central and explored through small-scale productions such as
A Dramatic Actress is Required by Yuri Pogrebnichko (2000), Without a Dowry by Anatoly
Praudin (2002), The Storm by Evgeny Gelfond (2017), Not of This World by Ekaterina
Polovtseva (2017), and Without a Dowry by Dmitry Krymov (2017).
The analysis of these performances is grounded in M.M. Bakhtin’s concept of the structuring
role of the chronotope in the artistic fabric of a work, a concept of methodological importance not only for literary criticism but also for theatre studies.
The article sheds light on various approaches of contemporary directing to the postmodern
re-creation of Ostrovsky’s “life plays”. It examines the differences between the literary
chronotope and the stage chronotope, as well as defines the differentiated directorial methods of transforming the literary chronotope into the stage one. The problem of the actor is
brought to the forefront, and the method of an actor’s existence in a postmodern play is
explored. The climactic moment in Ostrovsky’s action construction — the heroine’s death —
in the new stage aesthetics of the 21st century transcends the boundaries of romantic or
realistic interpretations of the finale. The central event of death is not depicted through direct
reproduction, but is revealed in various “theatrical garbs” through the tempo-rhythm of the
action, complex mise-en-scène, lighting of the scene, tone of acting, and unique behavior
of the characters. In doing so, contemporary stage postmodernism largely inherits the traditions of Russian psychological theatre.
Keywords
A.N. Ostrovsky, postmodernism, stage chronotope, Yuri Pogrebnichko, Anatoly Praudin,
Yevgeny Gelfond, Yekaterina Polovtseva, Dmitry Krymov.
For citation
Shalimova N.A. Postmodern Versions of A.N. Ostrovsky’s “Life Plays”: Towards the Problem of the Stage Chronotope. Theatre. Fine Arts. Cinema. Music. 2023, no. 4, pp. 10–29.
DOI: 10.35852/2588-0144-2023-4-10-29
EDN AGNGFY
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Received: 09.10.2023
Revised: 25.11.2023
Accepted: 26.11.2023