Towards the Issue of the Smallest Theatrical text Unit

Abstract

This research aims to identify the smallest unit of theatrical text as a specific polyphonic sign system from the point of view of the apparatus that governs it. The initial difficulty, which arises in connection with theatrical text, is the issue of a theatrical sign. The author considers different approaches targeted to synthesize the definition of the smallest unit, which is required for the scientific description of the object under analysis. It is pointed out that any disregard of a polymodal nature of theatrical text leads to invalid results. Theatrical text as a direct result of complex sign semiosis should be regarded holistically. It is important to realize that any speech event in the theater is performative and applied in an equivalent theatrical sign (acteme), which is the result of polyvalent sign systems on the stage. The term ‘acteme’ applied for theatrical signs, as it is assumed, can facilitate the process of linguistic description of theatrical text and its reading. It is pointed out that although the issue of theatrical text is less elaborated in language theory than the issue of dramatic text as a literary work, it is evident that investigations in this field have considerably progressed and the search for an adequate comprehension of semiotic procedures continues.