The Wayward Life and Runaway Form in the Plays of Ljubomir Simović
Abstract
The paper analyses the issue of political identity through the theoretical prism of the relationship between life and artistic form. The tension between these close enemies (fr. freres ennemis) is followed in parallel on two stages, on the theatrical, artistic one, and on the real one, that of the world of politics. What is the relationship between the two stages? The answer is sought through the interpretation of the dramatic work of Ljubomir Simović in the light of his play about the construction of a self-governing society in Yugoslavia. The analysis follows the path paved, when it comes to the 20th century theatre, by Luigi Pirandello and his most important interpreters. The insights of classical political theorists help us direct the interpretation of Simović‘s dramatic world towards the question of the roots and meaning of people living together. At the same time, we show how playful dramatic art can bring theoretical thinking from barren abstract heights back to the concrete historical ground on which the question of the relationship between life and artistic form is resolved again and again through speech and persuasion, boldness and a good plan or faith in miracles and violence.
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