The Theatre Criticism of Franjo pl. Marković

Franjo Marković, the first president of the University of Zagreb, professor of philosophy, author of the first textbook on aesthetics, poet, playwright and literary critic, contributed theater criticism to the Croatian journal Vienac for fully thirty years with varying regularity. Alongside Šenoa, Marković is one of the founders of theater criticism in Croatia. In the article I have spoken only of critics who refer to theater performance and generally to the problematics of the theater of the time, whole critics connected with theater wo.rks are spoken of only in relation to aesthetic problems of the performing ars. Furthermore, I have treated only critics connected with Vienac from the year 1869 to 1898, since it is felt that Marković\u27s critical method is displayed likewise in their work. The Croatian theater during this period began its transformation from a political tribune into a veritable Thalian .temple in which many interesting acting personalities appeared who were decisive influences upon the subsequent development of Croatian dramatic performance. The leading European aesthetic currents were introduced to the stage which resulted in quality performances. The question regarding the aesthetic level of the theater performance is posited, the question of style and dramatic interpretation which would later become the foundation of dramatic pedagogy and dramatic art. At the same time national drama was stimulated which condition is regarded sine qua non of every national theater, hence also the Croatian national theater. Marković, formally educated in philosophy although himself a dramatis poet, seeks through his artistic and patriotic concern to acquaint the publicwith the problems of theater. Only an educated public can merit a good theater. The task of critics is not to excoriate but rather to evoke attention and stimulate, not to abase but to encourage. Criticism is always to be able at once well-intended and justifiable. It is a most severe yet most benevolent public. In his theater criticism. Franjo Marković sets out his aesthetic system, believing that every judgement must have its basis in theory. Only such criticism can be regarded as worthwile and justifiable. His concern for national drama and a national theater, for methodological foundation and system, and above all his love for the theater are the hallmark of Marković\u27s theater criticism