Ecology and Theatre: Traces of Naturalism in Contemporary Eco-Theatre
Project no. 32892 · Status: Kapanmış (Yayın bekleniyor) · 2025
Summary
<p>In contemporary theatre studies, plays that engage with ecological themes are predominantly analyzed through the lens of environmentalist theories. However, it is noteworthy that such dramatic works often employ various naturalist themes and techniques, reminiscent of those found in the foundational works of modern theatre in the 19th century. Despite this, there is a marked absence of scholarly work addressing the role of naturalism within eco-theatre. On the contrary, this dramatic form appears to be dismissed on three principal grounds.</p><p>First, naturalism is often criticized for reinforcing anthropocentrism, which is regarded as a fundamental cause of the current climate crises. Second, as feminist critiques have pointed out, naturalist plays are accused of perpetuating a male-centered perspective. Third, naturalism is seen as promoting a conservative and deterministic worldview, one that emphasizes the determining power of environmental and hereditary factors over individuals rather than encouraging change.</p><p>Beyond these prejudices, a review of the creative and critical work in this area reveals a striking lack of in-depth and nuanced critiques concerning the role of naturalism in contemporary eco-theatre. This research project seeks to explore the ways in which naturalism offers certain dramaturgical possibilities for contemporary playwrights and theatre-makers in addressing ecological concerns. We maintain that ecological theatre will continue to evolve beyond mere representations of nature, shaping itself through new forms that expand the aesthetic and narrative capacities of the theatrical medium.</p><p>The case studies of ecological naturalism examined in this study will be addressed within a conceptual and functional framework that accounts for varying degrees and expressions of the mode. Given its subject matter, this research project will be conducted under Ege University's Priority Research Area “26.5. Environment, Literature, and Cultural Studies.” The intended outcome of this research is the publication of a high-quality, field-advancing scholarly article, book, or book chapter in English by an international academic publisher. Participation in an academic conference is also planned.</p><p><strong>Keywords</strong>: Ecology, Theatre, Naturalism, Drama, Contemporary Literature, Environment and Culture</p>