Flânerie of the mind

A unique theatre production in Asmara, Eritrea, challenged conventional narratives of Eritrean drama by embracing intellectual flânerie—a concept that invites audience participation without didacticism or clear messaging. The study examines the 2008 production Weg’i Libi (Heart-to-Heart Talk), performed by amateurs and situated in the UNESCO-listed modernist cityscape, which drew large crowds despite its unconventional approach. By analyzing the play’s process and metaphorical potential, the research suggests that such works may reflect prospective futures for Eritrea, particularly through their lack of overt political or cultural messaging. The study combines critical reading with spatial analysis to explore how theatre can function as a site of intellectual exploration in post-colonial contexts.

Matzke, C. (2019). Flânerie of the mind. The Routledge Companion to Theatre and Politics, 268–271. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780203731055-68