A boundary situation: overlapping of media and theatrical cultures in a reality show

The article examines various kinds of crossing, breaking and playing with the borders between the empirical and aesthetical realities of a reality show in the context of relations between mass media and theatrical cultures. These cultures are traditionally interpreted as cultures having the closest ties with reality, on the brink of their demolition, due to their nature, characteristic features and functions. This is why it is interesting to analyze a complicated whole that emerges in a boundary situation when mass media and theatrical cultures meet in a reality show. It is proved that the theatrical character of a reality show is mostly an illusion, but at the same time a practically ideal embodiment of Artaud’s and Sartre’s ideas. It is a unique and dangerous character of experience, knowledge and sensations of a person who has fully realized his inner state and feelings and has willingly faced and dealt with a boundary situation.