The development of amateur theatres in Slovenian territory from the mid-19th to the mid-20th century In the Midst of Cultural and Political Challenges
The development of amateur theatres in Slovenian territory from the mid-19th to the mid-20th century In the Midst of Cultural and Political Challenges

Summary/Abstract: Amateur theatres were one of Slovenia’s most developed forms of amateur cultural activities from the end of the 19th to the end of the 20th century. Several participants felt that the Slovenian network of amateur theatres was the most developed in the world. Although their assessments were based on personal experience and cannot be confirmed by concrete data, they confirm that this cultural activity was widespread and exceedingly diverse. It flourished in larger cities, where several amateur theatres often competed with each other, as well as in smaller towns, far removed from the urban centres. As the activity substantially impacted a broader circle of people, politicians of various ideological-political orientations saw it as an opportunity to establish another communication channel with the people. This often led to divisions between the leaders of the associations of cultural societies, who also saw cultural creativity as a means of politicisation, and the cultural workers in the field, who were more concerned with cultural objectives, relaxed socialising with like-minded people, and entertaining participants and visitors. In the second half of the 1950s, amateur theatre activity underwent a deep crisis due to the changed rhythm of life. One of the consequences was that the political elite suddenly showed less interest in it than before. The time of writing guidelines, publishing lists of recommended works, or politicians committed to strict ideological principles in the management forums of cultural organisations was over. The mass participation that had hitherto graced one of Slovenia’s most widespread forms of amateur cultural creativity came to an end.

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