Don't miss your chance to explore the world behind the scenes before 25 September
Exactly one month remains until the "Legacy. Theatre. The Greats" exposition closes at the National Centre RUSSIA. Until 25 September, guests can see unique exhibits provided by 117 theatre organisations from 29 regions of the country. More than 600 objects and installations reveal how theatre works behind the scenes. The "Legacy. Theatre. The Greats" exposition project marks the 150th anniversary of the Union of Theatre Workers of Russia and is being held with the support of the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation and the Presidential Foundation for Cultural Initiatives. The project spans the entire country, from Moscow and Saint Petersburg to Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk and from Kudymkar to Cherkessk. More than 70 theatres, major museums and archives have come together to tell the story of Russian theatre as a "union of happy people" — those for whom the stage has become their life's work.
The tour route is designed to make visitors feel as though they are entering a theatre through the stage door, discovering its backstage world and following every stage in the creation of a production — from the work of the artistic and technical workshops to the moment the actors take the stage. Each section features interactive objects that show guests how lighting technicians, production designers, sound engineers and other technical professionals work. Visitors can also try their hand at being a costume designer, make-up artist or theatrical puppet maker.
The exhibits include authentic theatrical scenery, stage machinery, costumes, masks, scenic replicas, props, theatrical puppets, archival materials, rare posters, photographs, handwritten scripts and books from the 18th century. Visitors will see the legendary puppet compere Eduard Aplombov from the production "An Unusual Concert", the miniature inhabitants of the Lilikan Kingdom, costumes based on designs by Nadezhda Lamanova and Vyacheslav Zaitsev, and large-scale stage pieces that were part of celebrated theatrical productions on the country's finest stages for many years. Through these objects, theatre is revealed not only as an art form, but also as a unique space where engineering ingenuity and handiwork, talent and craft come together as one.
The exposition is designed for everyone who loves theatre, is interested in its history or is only beginning to discover this remarkable world. Everyone will find something of their own here: professionals will recognise familiar images, enthusiasts will find inspiration, and the youngest guests will experience genuine magic.
Don't miss your chance to explore the world behind the scenes, discover the secrets of theatrical professions and see exhibits that preserve the memory of great productions and the people who created them. Admission to the exposition is free with advance registration on russia.ru. The tour lasts 70 minutes. Guests can also explore the exposition independently using an audio guide recorded with the participation of leading actors from Russian theatres.
On 2 September at 18:30, the National Centre RUSSIA invites visitors to an open recording of a new episode of the "Russia Speaks" podcast.
