| The Popular Theatre Movement in Russia: 1862-1919 Contributor(s): Thurston, Gary (Author) |
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ISBN: 0810115506 ISBN-13: 9780810115507 Publisher: Northwestern University Press OUR PRICE: $76.23 Product Type: Hardcover - Other Formats Published: October 1998 Annotation: From Peter the Great's creation of Europe's first theatre for popular enlightenment in 1710 to Lenin's decree nationalizing all Soviet theatres in 1919, Russian rulers have moved aggressively to exploit this ancient art form for ideological ends rather than for its commercial potential. After the emancipation of the serfs in 1861, educated Russians began to present plays as part of a crusade to "civilize" the peasants. Relying on archival and published material virtually unknown outside Russia, this study looks at how playwrights criticized current Russian social and political realities, how various groups perceived their plays, and how the plays motivated viewers to change themselves or change their circumstances. The picture that emerges is of a potent civic art -- rooted in the traditions of the Greek polls, where it had first appeared -- influential in a way that eluded and challenged authoritarian control. |
| Additional Information |
| BISAC Categories: - Performing Arts | Theater - History & Criticism - History | Russia & The Former Soviet Union - Literary Criticism | Drama |
| Dewey: 792.094 |
| LCCN: 98-24479 |
| Series: Studies in Russian Literature and Theory |
| Physical Information: 1.07" H x 6.48" W x 9.54" (1.64 lbs) 376 pages |
| Themes: - Chronological Period - 1851-1899 - Chronological Period - 1900-1919 - Cultural Region - Russia |
| Descriptions, Reviews, Etc. |
| Publisher Description: In The Popular Theatre Movement in Russia, Gary Thurston illuminates the "popular theater" of pre-revolutionary Russia, which existed alongside the performing arts for the nation's economic elite. He shows how from Peter the Great's creation of Europe's first theater for popular enlightenment to Lenin's decree nationalizing all Soviet theaters, Russian rulers aggressively exploited this enduring art form for ideological ends rather than for its commercial potential. After the emancipation of the serfs in 1861, educated Russians began to present plays as part of a crusade to "civilize" the peasants. Relying on archival and published material virtually unknown outside Russia, this study looks at how playwrights criticized Russian social and political realities, how various groups perceived their plays, and how the plays motivated viewers to change themselves or change their circumstances. The picture that emerges is of a potent civic art influential in a way that eluded and challenged authoritarian control. |