Mikheil Javakhishvili’s Theatrical Writings

Abstract

Mikheil Javakhishvili occupies his deserved place in Georgian literature, first of all, as a prose writer. Unfortunately, his journalistic, literary-critical heritage has been little studied. In particular, there is rarely a scientific discussion of that part of his letters and reviews where the issues of the stage and theater are analyzed from a theoretical and practical perspective.

Javakhishvili’s theatrical works, within the framework of which he conducts a systematic discussion of the theatrical events at that time and a critical analysis of the development in dramaturgy, represent the most important primary source, both for studying the process of formation in national theatrical thought, and for a complex understanding of the Georgian cultural past.

Mikheil Javakhishvili’s letters are examples of deep critical analysis, where special attention is paid to the professionalism of the actor, as well as to the multifaceted aspects of acting and stage transformation. The author carefully discusses the peculiarities of role interpretation and the integration of the director’s vision into the performance. At the same time, his critical letters often expose the weaknesses of Georgian dramaturgy - artificially constructed dialogues, superficial and templated plot lines.

An analysis of Mikheil Javakhishvili’s theatrical letters reveals that his interest goes beyond the simple assessment of theater as a spectacle and is directed towards the essential importance of theater as a national and cultural phenomenon. Javakhishvili's letters and short reviews establish a tradition of theatrical criticism that encompasses both national consciousness and the understanding of European theatrical heritage.