The Rhythm of Infinity – Dervishes in Macedonian theatre performances

Abstract

In the Macedonian theatrical and cultural tradition, the image of dervishes is constantly encountered, especially in the period of Modernism and modernistic theater. Traces of dervishes have a number of Macedonian places, given the context of the Balkans and the long-term influence of the Orient. This research is based on defining the links between Macedonian and Turkish culture and tradition through the phenomenon of music and dance (rituals) of dervishes, especially in several theatrical performances. The main case study is the performance "Dervish and Death" by Mesha Selimovich, directed by Vladimir Milchin, production of the Albanian Theater - Skopje, 2003. The music for the performance is composed by the famous Macedonian composer Marjan Neıak, who creates a kind of network between dervish music, traditional oriental and Macedonian melodies. And he was awarded or this music at the main theatre festivals. This research shows multicultural and intercultural relations in the context of much research by both Peter Brook and Edward Said. At the same time, it is positioned as a direct axis - axis mundi between Turkish and Macedonian traditions. Positioning itself as a bridge between two cultures, traditions, folklore, religion, this paper shows how the theater itself uses tradition and recognition from the side of the larger culture involved in the process itself. Evidence for the success of the show is the increased number of awards and guest appearances outside of Macedonia, as in Istanbul, Turkey. The study is conceived as contemporary theatrical research that hybridly connects ethno theatrical, folklore and theatrical anthropology research. The main tools of the scientific-methodological instrumentarium are the reconstruction of theatrical performances and comparative analysis.