<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><p> The paper addresses the complexity of social issues in contemporary American society through the prism of its reflection in theatre and literature. The characteristic features of American narratives and performatives are freedom and an almost utopian belief in diversity and social understanding. At the same time, the discussed works present a comprehensive look at social issues using a great variety of forms and genres, and appealing to the aesthetic sensitivity of different groups of recipients. In the face of future problems in the political arena, American art offers an interesting transatlantic perspective on the complexity of 21st-century issues which are relevant all over the world.</p></abstract>

The paper addresses the complexity of social issues in contemporary American society through the prism of its reflection in theatre and literature. The characteristic features of American narratives and performatives are freedom and an almost utopian belief in diversity and social understanding. At the same time, the discussed works present a comprehensive look at social issues using a great variety of forms and genres, and appealing to the aesthetic sensitivity of different groups of recipients. In the face of future problems in the political arena, American art offers an interesting transatlantic perspective on the complexity of 21st-century issues which are relevant all over the world.

Towards freedom and social awareness: Hopeful narratives and performatives in American theatre and literature

Ars Aeterna

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 License.

The paper addresses the complexity of social issues in contemporary American society through the prism of its reflection in theatre and literature. The...

Towards freedom and social awareness: Hopeful narratives and performatives in American theatre and literature

Published Online: Jul 17, 2017

Page range: 7 - 13

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1515/aa-2017-0002

© 2017

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 License.