Absurdity and/or Reality : Grotesque and Tragicomic Realism in Balkan Spy (1983) Cover Image

Absurdity and/or Reality : Grotesque and Tragicomic Realism in Balkan Spy (1983)
Absurdity and/or Reality : Grotesque and Tragicomic Realism in Balkan Spy (1983)

Author(s): Julija Pešić
Subject(s): Serbian Literature, Film / Cinema / Cinematography, Theory of Literature, Drama
Published by: Universität Graz
Keywords: dramatic illusion;grotesque;caricature;irony;tragicomic;effect;

Summary/Abstract: This article explores the forms and functions of grotesque realism in the play Balkan Spy (1983) (Balkanski špijun) by Dušan Kovačević. The analysis is focused on the mechanisms of grotesque that the author uses in order to create a tragicomic version of reality, and on the effects of this aesthetic choice. The analytical approach to the dramatic text shows that Kovačević employs elements of both conventional and modern theatre. In other words, contemporary grotesque realism, caricature, irony, bitter/dry and subversive humour are the most dominant dramaturgical techniques that the author brings in order to create his characters as well as the absurd world caused by political paranoia.

  • Issue Year: 5/2018
  • Issue No: 2
  • Page Range: 21-37
  • Page Count: 17
  • Language: English