Mobility and Theatre: Theatre Makers as Nomadic Subjects

Authors

  • Anneli Saro University of Tartu

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.7146/nts.v27i1.24242

Keywords:

Estonian theatre, mobility, touring, internationalisation, summer theatre, nomadism, actor-network-theory

Abstract

This article discusses the pros and cons of theatrical mobility, investigating situ- ations where theatre is breaking its traditional practices of being local and urban by becoming mobile, international and rural. The main features in this context are guest performances at home and abroad, the importation of guest directors, performers, designers et cetera, and finally, site-specific and open-air productions. The structure of the analysis is based on these features, partly derived from the historical development of theatre but partly also from the aim of contrary thinking, insisting that contrary to the widespread assumption of nomadism as something indigenous or postmodern, nomadic attitudes can also be detected in quite traditional forms of theatre making and living. While touring at home and abroad provides opportunities for theatre makers to practice nomadic life style, summer theatre creates an opportunity for spectators to experience nomadism in more local spaces. The above mentioned features are analysed in the context of Estonian theatre, drawing occasional parallels with the neighbouring country of Finland. Each section goes through three periods of Estonian theatre history; 1) the period before the Second World War when theatres belonged to societies; 2) the period between 1940 and 1991 when Estonia was a part of the Soviet Union and all theatrical activities were subject to state control; 3) the period of independence and globalization. Since each period had a different imprint on theatrical mobility, the phenomenon will be investigated in relation to the political, social and cultural contexts, using Bruno Latour’s concept of actor-network-theory as a methodological tool.

Author Biography

Anneli Saro, University of Tartu

Anneli Saro is Professor of Theatre Research at the University of Tartu (Estonia) and the Editor-in-Chief of Nordic Theatre Studies. She has been a convener of the international working group Project on European Theatre Systems (2004-2008) and is presently convener of The Theatrical Event working group. Saro was also a member of the executive committee of the International Federation for Theatre Research. She has published articles on audience research, performance analysis, Estonian theatre history and systems.

References

Christopher B. Balme, “The Bandmann Circuit: Theatrical Networks in the First Age of Globalization” in Theatre Research International, vol. 40, no. 1, 2015.

Ants Eskola, Näitleja on ajastu lühikroonika. Mälestused, Eesti Raamat, Tallinn 1986.

Erika Fischer-Lichte, ”Interweaving Cultures in Performance: Theatre in a Globalizing World“ in Theatre Research International, vol. 35, no. 3, 2010.

Karl Kalkun senior, Karl Kalkun junior, Teatrimemuaare, Vanemuise Seltsi Kirjastus, Tartu 2000.

Sven Karja, Anneli Saro, “Teatrielu 2003: saateks ja tagasivaateks” in Teatrielu 2003, Eesti Teatriliit, Tallinn 2004.

Ott Karulin, Rakvere Teater “täismängude” otsinguil aastail 1985-2009, PhD thesis, Tartu Ülikool, Tartu 2013.

Karin Kask, Eesti nõukogude teater 1940-1965. Sõnalavastus, Eesti Raamat, Tallinn 1987.

Pälvi Laine, Teatteri ilman esirippua – tila suomalaisessa kesäteatterissa, MA thesis, Helsingin yliopisto, Helsinki 1998.

Bruno Latour, Reassembling the Social. An Introduction to Actor-Network-Theory, Oxford University Press, Oxford 2005.

Hans van Maanen, Joshua Edelman, Magdolna Balkanyi, Mathias P. Bremgartner, Louise Hansen, Anneli Saro, Beate Schappach, Hedi-Liis Toome, Attila Szábo, Maja Šorli, ”Theatre Systems Compared” in Amfiteater, vol. 3, no. 1 (forthcoming).

Alfred Mering, Elu lugu. Teatrimälestused, Eesti Raamat, Tallinn 1986.

Reet Neimar, Pille-Riin Purje, Jüri Järvet, Narr ja Kuningas, Eesti Teatriliit, Tallinn 2009.

Voldemar Panso, Laevaga Leningradist Odessasse, Eesti Riiklik Kirjastus, Tallinn 1957.

Voldemar Panso, Maailm Arlekiini kuues, Eesti Raamat, Tallinn, 1973.

Jaak Rähesoo, Eesti teater. Ülevaateteos. I, Eesti Teatriliit, Tallinn 2011.

Jaak Viller, Teatriorganosatsiooni areng Eestis XX sajandi II poolel, MA thesis, Tartu Ülikool, Tartu 2004.

S. E. Wilmer, Pirkko Koski, The Dynamic World of Finnish Theatre. An Introduction to its History, Structures and Aesthetics, Like, Helsinki 2006.

Downloads

Published

2015-05-12

How to Cite

Saro, A. (2015). Mobility and Theatre: Theatre Makers as Nomadic Subjects. Nordic Theatre Studies, 27(1), 90–102. https://doi.org/10.7146/nts.v27i1.24242

Issue

Section

Articles thematic section