CULTURE
Moldovan literature experienced
the vicissitudes of Soviet literature generally during the Zhdanov
era of the late 1940s and early 1950s. Building socialism and
creating the new Soviet citizen were the dominant themes, and
socialist goals prevailed over aesthetic considerations. Characteristic
of these trends were the early prose and poetry of Emilian Bucov
and Andrei Lupan, who followed the principles of Socialist Realism;
later they and younger writers diversified their techniques and
subject matter. Perhaps the most outstanding modern writer is
the dramatist and novelist Ion Druta. His novel Balade de câmpie
, an investigation of the psychology of the village, marked a
significant turning point in the evolution of Moldovan fiction;
and his play Casa Mare turned away from the concept of collectivity
to probe the individual conscience.
The historical ties between
Bessarabia and Romania and the ethnic kinship of Moldovans and
Romanians are still reflected in the culture of Moldova. The development
of Moldovan culture after World War II, however, followed the
prevailing pattern of the Soviet Union as a whole. The state assumed
responsibility for the content and direction of all cultural and
intellectual life. The theatre, motion pictures, television, and
printed matter were subject to censorship and close ideological
scrutiny. Until the waning days of Soviet influence, private initiative
in cultural endeavours was rare.
