PARADOX OF METAMORPHOSIS IN THE PLAY OF MARIUS VON MAYENBURG “THE UGLY ONE” (DER HÄSSLICHE)

Abstract

The article examines the creativity of the modern German playwright Marius von Mayenburg. The relevance of the research is determined by the comprehensive interest of the modern scientific and theatrical process in the phenomena of the German “post-dramatic” and “post-post-dramatic” theater. The aim of the analysis is to determine the nature and function of the “transformation” technique in M. von Mayenburg’s play “The Ugly One” (Der Hässliche). The conclusion is made that the motif of metamorphosis is used to create the grotesque space of the modern world. The hero of Marius von Mayenburg, losing his personal, human, turning superficial appearance, loses his self, the ability to distinguish. The conventionality of the rating scale, the evaluative stereotypes that dominate in modern society, become the object of a satirical overthrow in the play of Marius von Mayenburg. The metamorphosis experienced by the hero of the play acts as a mean of recognizing the absurdity and unlawfulness of the demands placed on a person by modern society, and the groundlessness of manipulations with the person and the person’s consciousness. The results of the research can be used to understand the theory and practice of the modern dramatic process.