Detailed Information on Publication Record

MOTAL, Jan. The Fragile Stage: Public Service in Theatre as a Track to “The Good Life”. Slovenské divadlo. 2023, vol. 71, No 3, p. 293-307. ISSN 0037-699X. Available from: https://dx.doi.org/10.31577/sd-2023-0021.

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Basic information
Original name	The Fragile Stage: Public Service in Theatre as a Track to “The Good Life”
Authors	MOTAL, Jan (203 Czech Republic, guarantor, belonging to the institution).
Edition	Slovenské divadlo, 2023, 0037-699X.

Other information
Original language	English
Type of outcome	Article in a journal
Field of Study	60400 6.4 Arts
Country of publisher	Slovakia
Confidentiality degree	is not subject to a state or trade secret
WWW	URL
Organization unit	Theatre Faculty
Doi	http://dx.doi.org/10.31577/sd-2023-0021
Keywords in English	public service; public Interest; theatre; Czech theatre; economic crisis; good life; counterpublics; democratic dialogue; inclusion
Changed by	Changed by: doc. MgA. Hana Průchová, Ph.D., učo 5216. Changed: 20/3/2024 17:38.

Abstract
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.

Abstract

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.