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Ethical and Philosophical Aspects of Blasphemy as an Artistic Principle

Publication at Faculty of Arts |
2016

Abstract

This study focuses on three instances of blasphemy in contemporary Russian culture: an artistic civic act (the performance of the Pussy Riot group in the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour), musical theatre (the directorial interpretation of Richard Wagner's opera Tannhausser) and theatre texts (plays by the contemporary Russian playwright Ivan Vyrypaev). Different forms of blasphemy in particular works of art or artistic acts, as well as the consequent social discourse about them or social-political impact on the main parties involved, give a picture of the social and political situation in Russia, the relationship of art, politics, power and censorship, as well as of the ethical values of contemporary society.