Metanarratives of the Irish Post-Dramatic Theatre in the Context of the Productions by G. Keegan and F. Cannon

The purpose of the article is to identify trends in the development of post-dramatic theatre in Ireland on the example of productions by leading directors G. Keegan and F. Cannon. Research methodology. The authors of the article applied a theoretical method (to generalise the material analysed in the study in order to highlight the main trends of post-dramatic theatre in Ireland); the method of system analysis (to consider post-dramatic theatre as a system, as well as structuring and analysing its techniques); the method of cognitive analysis (to identify the differences between the popular approaches of post-dramatic theatre in Ireland); the method of art studies analysis (to identify the director’s methodology of G. Keegan and F. Cannon); the method of theoretical generalisation. Scientific novelty. The development of post-dramatic theatre in Ireland at the beginning of the 20th century is studied; the activities of the most famous Irish theatre companies Corn Exchange and Brokentalkers are considered; such productions as The Examination and The Blue Boy directed by G. Keegan and F. Cannon are analysed and the features of the approach of post-dramatic theatrical art in the context of the actualization of social issues are described. Conclusions. Developing new ways of post-dramatic drama, Irish theatre represents the profound changes that are taking place in Irish society and culture, and its productions deal with current social issues that require solution. The study reveals that typical post-dramatic approaches in Irish theatre are: the development of a production based on a specific topic by means of actor's improvisation; the combination of documentary texts and testimonies of participants in the events that are relevant to society into a holistic theatrical event. The work of co-founders and artistic directors of Brokentalkers theatre company G. Keegan and F. Cannon is a vivid example of a creative approach, and their performances reflect not only transformations of theatrical visual forms, but also innovative attitude to social issues. The special feature of the director's vision is to avoid a clear analysis of social issues and a convincing plan for its solution – by avoiding isolation, they challenge the metanarratives, which helps to increase the viewer’s interpretive activity. Using their own creative approach, they brought together young actors to actively invent new ways of functioning of the theatre in public and social space.