Stage metaphor: cognitive approach

The paper analyzes the process of metaphor creation in the context of theatrical art. Stage metaphor is considered as a mechanism for organizing meaning in a performance, in which an important role is given to non-verbal action. The material of the study is based on the visual stage images and the linguistic forms from the productions of well-known directors such as E. Nekrosius, T. Kantor, P. Vutkareu, I. Schats and others, as well as on the mechanism of perception of these images and forms by the audience. Applying the method of cognitive modeling, the author reveals the potential and procedure of metaphor and metaphorical concepts formation on the basis of theatrical discourse.