When a coursework project becomes art: the magic of "Aladdin's Magic Lamp" at the National Centre RUSSIA
Among the theatrical works worthy of the audience's attention and the highest praise are student projects. The "Legacy. Theatre. The Greats" exposition at the National Centre RUSSIA features a coursework project by stage costume design and technology students Ramzil Kamaliev and Daria Korina, completed in 2024 at the Moscow Art Theatre School. What began as an academic assignment became a genuine work of art, immersing exposition visitors in the atmosphere of one of the most famous tales from "One Thousand and One Nights".
The project was inspired by sketches created by outstanding costume designer, People's Artist of the Russian Federation and Academician of the Russian Academy of Cinematographic Arts Eleonora Maklakova for the famous film "Aladdin's Magic Lamp", released by the Gorky Film Studio in 1966. The students produced models of the costumes worn by the Maghreb Sorcerer and the Courtier with great skill and respect for the originals.
Alongside them is another coursework project inspired by Eleonora Maklakova's work: models of the costumes worn by Aladdin's parents, as well as by the title character himself and his beloved, Princess Budur. They were created in 2024 by first-year Moscow Art Theatre School students Alexandra Beglova-Chakovskaya, Maria Sidorina, Maretta Novikova and Anna Arkhipova.
These costumes and characters embody all the magic of the East. It seems as though the stern sorcerer in his black cloak and with his thick, furrowed brows is about to raise his hand and cast a spell, while the beautiful princess might stamp her foot capriciously and turn away in feigned offence. The creators succeeded not merely in copying the forms, but in capturing the characters' personalities, movement and mood, as well as that distinctive atmosphere of the East without which the tale of Aladdin and his extraordinary adventures would be unimaginable.
The models are up to two metres tall. At the same time, they look not only richly textured in an Oriental style, but also remarkably light, as they are made from lightweight materials — kraft paper, tracing paper and acrylic. These works form a symbolic bridge between generations: the cinema of the 1960s and the young creators of the present century, who are carefully reinterpreting the legacy of past masters.
The "Legacy. Theatre. The Greats" exposition at the National Centre RUSSIA is a major project marking the 150th anniversary of the Theatre Union of Russia and implemented with the support of the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation and the Presidential Foundation for Cultural Initiatives.
Visitors can see the unique exhibits and discover the world behind the scenes until 25 September. Admission to the exposition is free. Advance registration on the russia.ru website is required to join a guided tour.
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