Hikesie und Gastrecht : theatrale und philosophische Figurationen des Asyls

Balme, Christopher (2019): Hikesie und Gastrecht : theatrale und philosophische Figurationen des Asyls. In: Letteratura E Letterature, Bd. 13: S. 53-65

Abstract

This paper explores the Greek concept of hikesia, the ancient custom of hospitality and protection from persecution. It examines the tension between sacred and secular law, which was already controversial in ancient times, still features as a basis for contemporary theatrical and philosophical figurations of asylum and refugees. The paper discusses two dramas which feature hikesia prominently : The Supplicant Maidens by Aeschylus, and Euripides' The Children of Heracles, read through a production of the latter by the American director Peter Sellars. These examples are integrated into some political and philosophical observations with reference to Derrida's essay on hospitality who points to the fact that both hospitality and hostility share a common root. Then and now political asylum places considerable pressure on the polity confronted with the dilemma of according strangers/refugees sanctuary.

• Dokumententyp: Zeitschriftenartikel
• Fakultät: Geschichts- und Kunstwissenschaften > Department Kunstwissenschaften
• Themengebiete: 900 Geschichte und Geografie > 900 Geschichte
• ISSN: 1971-906X
• Sprache: Italienisch