The Fragile Stage: Public Service in Theatre as a Track to “The Good Life”

@article{14060,
   author = {Motal, Jan},
   article_number = {3},
   doi = {http://dx.doi.org/10.31577/sd-2023-0021},
   keywords = {public service; public Interest; theatre; Czech theatre; economic crisis; good life; counterpublics; democratic dialogue; inclusion},
   language = {eng},
   issn = {0037-699X},
   journal = {Slovenské divadlo},
   title = {The Fragile Stage: Public Service in Theatre as a Track to “The Good Life”},
   url = {https://www.sav.sk/index.php?lang=sk&doc=journal-list&part=article_response_page&journal_article_no=31141},
   volume = {71},
   year = {2023}
}

TY  - JOUR
ID  - 14060
AU  - Motal, Jan
PY  - 2023
TI  - The Fragile Stage: Public Service in Theatre as a Track to “The Good Life”
JF  - Slovenské divadlo
VL  - 71
IS  - 3
SP  - 293-307
EP  - 293-307
SN  - 0037699X
KW  - public service
KW  - public Interest
KW  - theatre
KW  - Czech theatre
KW  - economic crisis
KW  - good life
KW  - counterpublics
KW  - democratic dialogue
KW  - inclusion
UR  - https://www.sav.sk/index.php?lang=sk&doc=journal-list&part=article_response_page&journal_article_no=31141
N2  - This article explores the concept of public service and public interest. Drawing on the philosophies of Martha Nussbaum, Virginia Held, and Nancy Fraser, the presented text contests traditional political-economic and cultivation theories that emphasize efficiency, performance, and perfection. Instead, it posits an approach that integrates human vulnerability as a valuable aspect of the “good life,” thereby fostering a richer understanding of public interest. It criticises the exclusive and perfection-focused narratives, proposing inclusive “counterpublics” that recognize and value diverse community interests. The 2018 performance of Frljić’s “Our Violence, Your Violence” in Brno, CZ provides a tangible illustration of these concepts, showcasing how theatre can function as a democratic platform for dialogue or fail in this mission due to paternalism. The article concludes with a call to reimagine public service in theatre to encourage democratic decision-making, appreciate human vulnerabilities, and foster dialogue and inclusion.
ER  - 

MOTAL, Jan. The Fragile Stage: Public Service in Theatre as a Track to “The Good Life”. \textit{Slovenské divadlo}. 2023, roč.~71, č.~3, s.~293-307. ISSN~0037-699X. Dostupné z: https://dx.doi.org/10.31577/sd-2023-0021.