Essays on the Russian stage

The book consists of two parts. The first part traces the path of the Russian theater scene throughout the 20th century - from the reforms of K. Stanislavsky and the activities of the Moscow Art Theater to the late Soviet times. The contradictions of the theatrical process and the difficulties of developing stage creativity in the context of the Bolshevik totalitarian regime are noted. Special attention is paid to the activities of the leading figures - K. Stanislavsky, Vl. Nemirovich-Danchenko, and Vs. Meyerhold. The second part of the book contains responses to current phenomena and issues in artistic culture. The historical significance of some outstanding figures in spiritual (Metropolitan of St. Petersburg and Ladoga Ioann) and political (Ivan the Terrible) fields is also considered. Much attention is paid to the national originality of the Russian artistic world, as well as its global role.