Theoretical-Historical Approaches to Globalization and National Identity in Theatre

Abstract

This article examines how globalization influences the performative construction and transformation of national identity in theatre through a theoretical-historical perspective. Theatre is approached as a dynamic cultural space where national identity is not only represented but also negotiated, contested, and redefined. Using a qualitative and interpretive methodology, the study combines historical periodization, literary and performance analysis, and comparative case studies across four major stages: the rise of national theatre in the eighteenth century, the growth of nationalist dramaturgy in the nineteenth century, the transnational movements of the twentieth century, and contemporary globalized theatre. The analysis demonstrates that globalization does not erase national identity in theatre; instead, it reshapes it into hybrid, multilayered, and context-dependent forms. The study also reveals that national motifs often re-emerge in response to global cultural pressures, while diasporic and transnational performances highlight the fluid and negotiated character of belonging. In addition, state institutions and cultural policies continue to play a significant role in balancing local specificity with global engagement. Ultimately, theatre is shown to function both as a mirror and as a mediator of national identity in the global era.