Realist Narrative in the Plays of Iakovos Kambanellis: The Case of The Courtyard of Miracles İakovos Kambanellis’in Oyunlarında Realist Kurgu: Mucizeler Avlusu Örneği
Tiyatro Elestirmenligi ve Dramaturji Bolumu Dergisi, vol.2026, no.42, pp.36-52, 2026 (Scopus)
- Publication Type: Article / Article
- Volume: 2026 Issue: 42
- Publication Date: 2026
- Doi Number: 10.26650/jtcd.1825916
- Journal Name: Tiyatro Elestirmenligi ve Dramaturji Bolumu Dergisi
- Journal Indexes: Scopus
- Page Numbers: pp.36-52
- Keywords: Iakovos Kambanellis, Modern Greek Theatre, Realist Narrative, Social Reality, The Courtyard of Miracles
- Istanbul University Affiliated: Yes
Abstract
This study examines the development of modern Greek theatre through social, historical, and aesthetic contexts and within this framework, it evaluates the pioneering role of Iakovos Kambanellis. In particular, the political ruptures and social traumas experienced in Greece after World War II are examined in their reflections on the performing arts, especially on the formation of realist theatre; the characteristics of the dramatic language developed by Kambanellis during this period are analysed together with his realist approach to staging. The main aim of this study is to evaluate Kambanellis’ contributions to playwriting in terms of aesthetics as well as sociopolitical discourse. In the author’s plays, the ordinary details of everyday life merge with the individual predicaments, creating a multilayered stage reality. The realism in character construction goes beyond the exploration of individual psychologies, revealing the socio-economic and political dynamics of the period. This study examines The Courtyard of Miracles (Η Αυλή των θαυμάτων) as a key example in which these characteristics are embodied and the concept of realist theatre becomes clearly articulated and, through the analysis of this play, it aims to highlight Kambanellis’ contributions to the development of realist representation in modern Greek theatre.