Utopia and Theatre. Note on the Founding Fathers

Abstract

Is there a criterion that would allow us to discern among the so-called Founding Fathers of the New European Theatre, a criterion that would take into account their basic unity, but which would not ignore their differences? The author proposes passion, that was common to all, but which was expressed in very different ways by each. He defines «passion» as tormented love, fed by dissatisfaction; love for the theatre but dissatisfaction with its performative dimensions. This criterion would allow a clearer distinction between the reformers – headed by Stanislavski – the revolutionaries – headed by Meyerhold – and the utopians – headed first by Craig and later by Artaud and Grotowski.