The complexity of the mythical heritage requires a thorough approach and causes it to carry out the complex, multifaceted and continuous process. Mythical materials over the centuries have experienced multiple transformations: they bear traces of the massive movement of civilization, cultural events and changes, as well as layers of invention and intervention of his contemporaries, especially artists (singers, painters, sculptors, craftsmen-artists, gifted priest, etc.). Hence, the myths - their preserved manifestation of that tissue as an art clothed basic message - to some extent contaminated, contributing to demand that the mythic structure primarily factual parse.

Therefore, the initial phase of this artistic process is truthful scientific analysis of the mythical material.

In cooperation with scientific collaborators: ethnologists, anthropologists, historians of art and culture, etc, at the beginning of this study we should identify the historical, cultural and other realities, to know and understand the context in which a mythical element emerged and had a purpose, which practices were related, that preserved it and made it immortal.

We also wanted young artists - participants in the process - to adopt some of the principles of scientific research: intellectual curiosity, thoroughness in preparation, analytical thinking, insight, objectivity, and so on. These qualities constitute good contemporary artist.

In terms of methodology, the purpose of this phase was to begin the process during which the mythical artifacts transform into articulated artwork.

The starting point for this process was preserved legends, songs, games, pictures, etc, which the artists - participants select and attached to the research.

PATOS began its work on the "Myth as fate" in March 2006. After four weeks of preparatory work, in April was held scientific and analytical workshop. During this workshop, the participants met and experts from the fields of history, archeology and art history.

The first part of the workshop was devoted to the review of historical data related to Smederevo as the medieval capital of Serbia, and the construction of Smederevo Fortress, as well as learning about the legends and myths related to Smederevo.

After the presentation of historical facts and myths related to Smederevo city and fortress, the discussion dealt with the interpretation of myth, where the participants were actively searching for the line between history and myth. Members of BAZAART a partner group attended the workshop, in addition to teachers and members of PATOS, from Belgrade, regional and local coordinators of the project, as well as representatives of the Smederevo Centre for Culture.

The result of this project was a play The Forth directed by Mr. Sunčica Milosavljević, from dramatic text by Dr. Marina Milivojević - Mađarev.

 

The text is taken from the website of the BAZAART association.