The Slovene theater scene in Carinthia since 1976

Research project P 13518 The Slovene theater scene in Carinthia since 1976 Peter V. ZIMA 28.06.1999 The subject of the present project is the development of the Slovene theater scene in Carinthia since 1976. Being a part of the cultural expression of an ethnic minority, this theater is showing its peculiarities. Among ohter things, it is fulfilling its socio-political and educational responsibility, which form and change are depending on the general social political and ideological processes. Recently many German speaking children are participating in the Slovene children- and youth theater`s stage productions. Disregarding the linguistic affiliations, the theater is functioning as a place of intercultural and social learning. The analysis of the path followed and its perspectives shall contribute to the issue of future co-existence of minority and majority as well as to the present discussion about the support of local cultures within the framework of the European integration process. Further, the latest development in the area of amateur play, the (semi)professional theater and the adoption by the media against the background of the Slovene politico-cultural practice are being investigated. The prevailing political, economical and psycho-social situation of the Carinthian Slovenes is being considered especially, as the foundation of the Slovene State and Austria`s membership in the European Community have a far-reaching impact. In order to cover this diverse topic, an interdisciplinary way of research has been chosen, including the psycho- social, social, historical and ethnological aspects, as well as those of literary and theater studies. The project is aiming to analyse the Slovene theater scene in the last couple of years, and it should determine the position of the Slovene theater in Carinthia, both in the Austrian context and in comparison with other European minorities. The results of the study are planned to be published separately.

The theatre of an ethnic minority is, in the end, always an expression of its cultural and linguistic identity. The contemporary diversity and quality of the Slovene theatre in Carinthia provide the necessary qualifications for a common ground and co-operation between majority and minority. However, there are no programmes which would support specific projects and reduce existing doubts against such efforts. Based on an analytic and inter-disciplinary approach regarding the most recent developments of the Slovene theatre in Carinthia, Slovene theatre productions in Carinthia are seen in an Austrian context and can now be compared with similar productions of other ethnic minorities. The results of this examination should yield useful information for cultural and political projects on a regional level and for the development of future concepts, and, furthermore, offer an insight into the role of theatre as an integrating influence beyond linguistic and geo-political borders. Following two earlier works, a detailed study of the history of Slovene theatre in Carinthia of the 20th century is now available illustrating that only in the 1990`s theatre became an independent art form which also displayed a great diversity of expression. This development positively influenced traditional activities in this field and also laid the grounds for thorough artistic and professional theatre work. In the 1970`s and 1980`s in Carinthia, under the tutelage of mentors from Slovenia for children`s theatre, theatre for young people and puppet theatre and through co-operations between professionals and amateurs a new course was set which also strengthened linguistic and cultural skills. Actual theatre work, however, is not based on a theory which considers all aspects. Hence constraints and individual commitment still play a decisive role. The Slovene theatre in Carinthia principally uses cultural, structural and financial resources of Slovenia. Despite this dependency which does in no way correspond to the actual integration of the Slovene minority in Carinthia (in Austria) the Slovene theatre in Carinthia during the last 10-15 years became an important advocate of an Austrian theatrical tradition to which it has also contributed. Official contributions by the Republic of Austria for this sector of cultural and artistic activities, on the other hand, are rather small. As a result, positive developments in this field are contrasted by obvious shortcomings: there are no overall concepts worth expanding, innovations of certain aspects are not carried through, theatre work is in permanent conflict (caused by financial troubles) with the political structures of the ethnic minority, there are no structural improvements or a specific school of literary criticism or effective supportive measures which would encourage the production of scenic-dramatic texts by members of the ethnic minority. A co-ordinated effort of all persons involved and special programmes are needed, in particular if the experience of theatre projects which have overcome language barriers is to be made available for wider parts of the (Carinthian) population. So far, the Slovene theatre in Carinthia has achieved a certain impact thanks to regional co-operations, yet primarily in the cultural context of Slovenia.