From An Optimistic Tragedy to a “Revolutionary Concert”: Recycling of Soviet Historical Past in Contemporary Russian Theatre

The article focuses on the recycling of Soviet culture in productions contemporary Russian theatre. In 2017, Victor Ryzhakov staged at Alexandrinsky theatre An Optimistic tragedy. A Farewell Ball, Asya Voloshina’s remake a play written by Vsevolod Vishnevsky 1932–1933. Such directors as Alexander Tairov, Georgy Tovstonogov, Mark Zakharov, and others had turned to Tragedy during crucial moments history. 21st century this has become claimed again. However, interpretation text its theatrical language drastically changed. issues intergenerational relationships memory historical past have come fore. story anarchist sailors got new birth largely due an experimental approach music performance. Music chorus were central components Vishnevsky’s play. first edition Tragedy, represented metaphor court following stage versions role been decreased till Ryzhakov’s production that constituted became passive witnesses history, ghosts past. evolution was accompanied techniques postdramatic (cross-casting, retreat from original play), engagement top hits, poems, popular music, rap songs, Voloshina specifically for Ball. Thus, Ball may be called complicated pastiche combines texts different periods genres. To disclose mechanisms cultural selection, applies method etudes. fragmentality polyphony embody chaos revolution with juxtaposed voices narrating personal stories.