Theatre russe et sovietique

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Between the Russian revolutions of 1905 and 1917, the future of Russian theater became a fervent focus for writers, directors, and designers. Post-1917, theater confronted new social realities and a larger audience. Lenin asserted that theater must be "greater than a spectacle," prompting directors, designers, playwrights, and artists to rise to this challenge. Traditional figures like Stanislavsky engaged in intense dialogues with avant-gardists such as Meyerhold. The Futurists, led by Mayakovsky, and Constructivists created innovative sets and costumes for theatrical performances, agit-prop plays, and public celebrations. "Theater in the round" was performed in factories, cafes, and public squares by both professional actors and worker casts. A multitude of contemporary plays and innovative classic adaptations were staged, with audiences actively participating in discussions about theater's social and political roles. This book chronicles the remarkable developments from the early 20th century to 1932, featuring a wealth of previously unpublished material, including 457 illustrations that vividly capture the era. It showcases performances by Meyerhold, Eisenstein, and Mikhail Chekov, alongside designs by prominent modernist artists like Malevich, Larionov, Exter, Popova, and Rodchenko. Visually striking and critically insightful, this work serves as a vital record of a pivotal period in modern theater.