Project coordinator of the "Legacy. Theatre. The Greats" exposition Renata Shamsutdinova: "We achieved the most important thing with this exposition"

Theatre is a vast and joyful world sustained by people, professions and the magic they create for audiences. According to Renata Shamsutdinova, project coordinator of the "Legacy. Theatre. The Greats" exposition, this is precisely the story the exposition tells. It opened at the National Centre RUSSIA on 28 July under the motto "A Union of Happy People".

"As an organiser, I can say that it is never possible to bring every idea to life exactly as planned, because new ideas, new people and new meanings always emerge along the way. But I believe we achieved the most important thing. We wanted to tell the story of theatre as a union of happy people. We strived to show that theatre is, above all, about people, about professions, about an enormous amount of work, and about creating an entire magical world — one that truly is joyful and, in the best sense of the word, magical," said Renata Shamsutdinova.

The exposition brings together exhibits from a wide range of museum collections, including original theatrical scenery, stage equipment, blocking sketches, costumes, masks, props, stage accessories and theatrical puppets. Most of the works and artefacts are being displayed in an exposition space for the first time. Renata Shamsutdinova admits that choosing a single standout exhibit is impossible.

"I couldn't single out just one exhibit because each has its own story, its own magic and its own creator — and in some cases, an entire team of creators. What always amazes me is the craftsmanship. The skill of the people who create the puppets or, for example, the stage weapons on display here, which are indistinguishable from the real thing. The work of the prop makers is truly unique and extraordinary," Renata Shamsutdinova shared.

The "Legacy. Theatre. The Greats" exposition, held under the motto "A Union of Happy People", marks the 150th anniversary of the Union of Theatre Workers of the Russian Federation. It brings together more than 600 exhibits provided by 117 theatre organisations from 29 regions of Russia, introducing visitors to the history of the Union of Theatre Workers of Russia and the wide variety of professions that make theatre possible.

The exposition is presented with the support of the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation and the Presidential Foundation for Cultural Initiatives. Admission to the exposition is free of charge. Entry is open to all visitors, while guided tours require advance registration on the russia.ru website.