Biblical Images in Contemporary Lithuanian Theatre: Imitation, Transformation, Deformation"

The Bible has always had a great influence on the art of Western civilization. Biblical images and motifs are often used in literary works and theatrical events. This article covers three possible exemplars of the relation between Biblical images and text of the performance which function in the contemporary Lithuanian theatre (1990-2009). These exemplars are: imitation, transformation, and deformation. The imitational relation is revealed in the staging of E. Nekrosius "Canto of Cantos"; the transformational relation is clear in the play "Lord, smile on us" of R. Tuminas; and the play "P.S. Case O.K." of O. Korsunovas represents the deformational relation. The ideal biblical images are the most common in these performances. When being imitated, they correspond with the message of the Revelation. When one transforms them, their dramatic side is accentuated. In the case of deformation, they are taken out of the context of Revelation and become just a means of expression of the main ideas of the performance.