Theatrical Structures and Performance Traditions in Azerbaijani Folklore

Abstract

This article examines the theatrical structures and performance traditions embedded within Azerbaijani folklore, proposing that oral narratives, ritual practices, and musical storytelling constitute a form of proto-theatre. Drawing on theoretical insights from performance studies and folklore research—particularly the works of Richard Bauman and Victor Turner—the study frames Azerbaijani folklore not only as a repository of cultural heritage but also as a dynamic performative system. Through the analysis of epic tales (dastans), lyrical folk songs, the Ashiq bardic tradition, and seasonal rituals, the article identifies key dramatic elements such as structured plots, character archetypes, stylized dialogue, spatial symbolism, and musical integration (Sadikhova, 2022).

Special attention is given to the Ashiq as a multifaceted performer, whose blend of narration, music, improvisation, and audience interaction represents a theatrical tradition rooted in oral culture. The article also explores how Azerbaijani playwrights like Huseyn Javid and Jafar Jabbarly adapted folklore into modern theatrical forms, especially during the Soviet and post-Soviet periods, contributing to the development of a distinct national stage.

By situating folklore within a theatrical framework, this study underscores the richness and relevance of indigenous performance traditions. It calls for further research in comparative folklore theatre, field documentation, and the integration of folk forms in contemporary education and cultural preservation.