The Idea and Practice. (Some Remarks on the "Flea", a drama by Yevgeny Zamyatin) Cover Image

Idea i praktyka. (Kilka uwag o dramacie Jewgienija Zamiatina "Pchła")
The Idea and Practice. (Some Remarks on the "Flea", a drama by Yevgeny Zamyatin)

Author(s): Jadwiga Gracla
Subject(s): Literary Texts
Published by: Wydawnictwo Uniwersytetu Śląskiego
Keywords: comedy; folk theater; theatralization; theater within theater

Summary/Abstract: Zamyatin’s dramatic works cannot boast popularity. The "Flea" was staged twice in the 1920s, after which time it fell into oblivion for quite a long time. After 80 years the drama was staged again, it was not very successful though. The author makes an attempt to point to the reasons for its oblivion as well as its later unsuccessful stage production. Text analysis proves that the drama is a reflection of the postulates formulated by such reformers as Wachtangow and Jewreinow. Their production concepts, theatricality of performance is hidden in the construction of space. What brings it closer to a reform is its connection with the folk theater, or a use of stage acting which is characteristic of the reform. The author claims that all this might have been the reason for its unfavorable acclaim. In fact, the text makes use of particular postulates, and therefore it has to be staged in a particular theatrical convention.

  • Issue Year: 2014
  • Issue No: 24
  • Page Range: 91-98
  • Page Count: 8
  • Language: Polish