Registration opens for guided tours of the new exposition "Legacy. Theatre. The Greats" at the National Centre RUSSIA

On 28 July, the exposition "Legacy. Theatre. The Greats" will commence at the National Centre RUSSIA, timed to coincide with the 150th anniversary of the Union of Theatre Workers of our country. This is a journey behind the scenes of the theatre, where visitors will discover how a production is created, meet the professionals who create performances with their own hands, see unique exhibits from leading theatres across the country, and rediscover the history of Russian theatrical art. The project is being implemented with the support of the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation and the Presidential Fund for Cultural Initiatives.

Every theatrical performance is the result of the collective work of many people. Yet audiences see only the final product: the performers on stage.

The rest remains behind the curtain. The new exposition will lift the veil of secrecy — and reveal what is usually hidden from the public.

What awaits visitors at the exposition?

— Over 600 exhibits from 118 theatres in 30 regions of Russia, including set pieces and stage machinery, lighting and sound effects, costume sketches, costumes and masks, accessories, props and puppets.

— Unique items: the compere Eduard Aplombov from "An Extraordinary Concert", miniature inhabitants of the Lillikan Kingdom, costumes based on sketches by Nadezhda Lamanova and Vyacheslav Zaitsev.

— National costumes from 30 regions of Russia, books published in the 18th century, ancient handwritten scripts, rare posters, photographs, letters, audio and video recordings telling the stories of great stage masters and creative family dynasties.

Theatre: from behind the scenes to the stage

The exposition is arranged as a promenade-style tour through a theatre. The visitor enters through the "stage door" and finds themselves in the universe of theatre professions — an interactive "games room" where they can try on different roles.

The central part of the display is dedicated to the 150-year chronicle of the Union of Theatre Workers. Multimedia and archival materials, as well as installations, will present historical facts — from the founding of the Society for Mutual Assistance of Russian Artists and the patronage of the imperial court to the Union's contemporary activities.

The production workshops section

A separate section of the exposition is dedicated to the workshops — the invisible heroes of the theatre. Ten thematic zones will show how the following departments work:

— stage machinery and special effects;

— lighting, sound and projection;

— scenic painting and decorative workshops;

— prop shop;

— costume, wardrobe, make-up and wig shops;

— puppet and music shops.

Each zone features a total installation with authentic tools and materials from more than 70 Russian theatres.

Visitors to the exposition will be able to:

— learn how a lighting designer, stage technician, production designer and sound engineer work;

— try their hand at being a costume designer, make-up artist, puppet maker or wig maker;

— see the materials, tools and techniques used by professionals.

The culmination of the route is the moment of stepping onto the stage. From behind the scenes, visitors enter a space of large-scale sets, where they can take part in short études and rehearsals.

The geography of the project spans from Moscow and St Petersburg to Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, and from Kudymkar to Cherkessk. Over 70 theatres, as well as the country's largest museums and archives, have come together to tell one big story — the story of theatre in Russia as a "union of happy people" for whom the stage has become their life's work.

Admission to the exposition is free. To book a guided tour, prior registration is required on the Russia.ru website, after which you should select a convenient date and time in the "Events" section.