Abstract:

The authors of the article address to the topic of children's theatre in modern Germany. There is a large number of theatres for children and youth in Germany. A big amount of plays written for children or about children are staged here annually. It is primarily connected to educational tasks. The repertoire of children's theatres is composed of both classical and modern plays. Analyzing what a modern children's play should be like, the authors of the article come to a conclusion that performances should not be of edifying nature. To fulfill its educational function, the theatre must be close to reality: a child will independently draw the necessary conclusions through self-reflection. The aesthetic function of the theatre and its poetic principles are also important in the context of upbringing. A theatre, including the children's one, shouldn’t give simple answers. Plays by contemporary authors for children and about children raise serious and diverse questions, inviting young audience to reflect. Theatrical authors address to such topics as family relations and a generation gap, violence in society, xenophobia and discrimination, bullying, first love, etc.

Keywords:

Education, German Theatre, pedagogical system of Germany, modern children's play, educational function.