Exposition dedicated to Russian theatre opens at the National Centre RUSSIA

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Russia is renowned throughout the world for its theatre tradition, outstanding directors, artists, actors, scenic designers and other theatre professionals, who for decades have shaped the development of the world's performing arts. This legacy is celebrated by the exposition "Legacy. Theatre. The Greats", presented under the motto "A Union of Happy People," which opened at the National Centre RUSSIA on 28 July. The project marks the 150th anniversary of the Union of Theatre Workers of the Russian Federation. The exposition brings together more than 600 exhibits provided by 117 theatre organisations from 29 regions of Russia and introduces visitors to the history of the Union of Theatre Workers of our country and the diversity of theatrical professions. The exposition is presented with the support of the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation and the Presidential Foundation for Cultural Initiatives.

"The National Centre RUSSIA is a place of strength where the whole country comes together. It unites a vast array of traditions, including theatrical ones. Today, two major projects meet here. On the one hand, there is the National Centre's space, which is set to become even larger, and plans for this are already in place. On the other hand, there is the exposition by the Union of Theatre Workers, dedicated to the organisation's 150th anniversary. The exposition introduces visitors to theatre workshops and backstage life while revealing the richness of Russia's theatrical traditions. Ours is a vast country with many different regions, and each of them has a national theatre of its own, staging performances in the languages of the peoples inhabiting these regions. This is undoubtedly one of our greatest treasures," said Alexander Zhuravsky, Deputy chief of the Presidential Directorate for Public Projects.

The exposition consists of 17 themed sections arranged as a promenade through the theatre. Visitors enter through a "staff entrance" and find themselves in the universe of theatrical professions — an interactive "playroom" where they can try themselves in different roles.

The central part of the exposition is devoted to the 150-year history of the Union of Theatre Workers. Multimedia displays, archival materials and installations present key milestones, from the establishment of the Society for Mutual Assistance of Russian Artists and the patronage of the Imperial Court to the organisation's present-day activities. Among the exhibits are authentic stage sets, lighting and sound equipment, mise-en-scène sketches, costumes, masks, stage props, theatrical properties and puppets.

"There are many complex machines in the world, but perhaps the most complex of them all is the theatre. For any action to happen here and now, an enormous number of people must work together in perfect harmony. The entire theatrical mechanism comes to life only in the hands of true masters. First all, we want our younger generation to discover the theatre, which is an extraordinary world, as well as its backstage life, and to understand what it is made of. The ability to use one's imagination is sometimes far more important than simply listening to a digital recording of the sound of the wind. You can try to create that sound yourself — with your imagination and your faith. So travel with the theatre, travel through your imagination, and communicate with one another. Because the theatre is one of the few places where miracles still exist," said Vladimir Mashkov, Chair of the Union of Theatre Workers of the Russian Federation and People's Artist of the Russian Federation.

Most of the works and objects are being displayed to the public for the first time. The display offers visitors a unique opportunity to see, at arm's length, objects that for many years existed exclusively on stage and formed part of celebrated theatrical productions.

"One of key missions of the National Centre RUSSIA is to preserve the country's cultural legacy. Here, we tell the stories of the people who create that legacy every single day — those without whom neither the continuity of artistic mastery nor the theatre itself would be possible. It is very important for us to pass this atmosphere on to children and young people so that everyone can experience it. Theatre is love. And perhaps it is here that someone will fall in love with the profession for the first time, discover their calling and become much happier. I would like to thank Vladimir Lvovich Mashkov and the Union of Theatre Workers of Russia for their trust and for our joint work on this project," noted Yelena Yushina, Head of the Exposition and Curatorial Directorate of the National Centre RUSSIA.

Visitors to the "Legacy. Theatre. The Greats" exposition can also enjoy an audio guide directed by Anton Okoneshnikov, stage director at the Alexandrinsky Theatre, recipient of the Dmitry Likhachev National Museum Award, and multiple nominee for the Russian National Theatre Award "Golden Mask."

Voiced by 13 actors from leading theatres in St Petersburg, the audio guide tells the story of theatrical professions, revealing the lives of the people who bring productions to life, and thus gives the exposition its own dramatic narrative. The recording features People's Artists of Russia Sergei Parshin, Anna Aleksakhina, Antonina Vvedenskaya, Natalia Kutasova, Era Ziganshina and Sergei Migitsko, together with actresses and actors Yanina Lakoba, Gennady Blinov, Yevgeny Sannikov, Sergei Mardar, Lyubov Yakovleva, Olga Belinskaya and Ksenia Olkhovskaya. The consultant for the "Legacy. Theatre. The Greats" exposition was Valery Fokin, People's Artist of Russia, recipient of four State Prizes of the Russian Federation, President of the Alexandrinsky Theatre and theatre director.

"This project is our collective declaration of love for the theatre. We are grateful to all the theatre organisations that agreed to take part in this experiment with us. We believe this is the first time they have come together in a single space without the clear boundaries separating individual theatres. If visiting the exposition inspires vivid emotions that grow into a feeling of happiness, then together with the participating theatres and the Union of Theatre Workers of Russia we will consider our mission accomplished," explained Yelena Kravets, Curator of the "Legacy. Theatre. The Greats" exposition.

The exposition will be accompanied by an extensive cultural and educational programme featuring meetings with actors and directors, masterclasses and author-led tours.

The project spans the country from Moscow and St Petersburg to Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, and from Kudymkar to Cherkessk. More than 70 theatres, together with the country's leading museums and archives, have joined forces to tell one great story — the story of theatre in Russia as "a union of happy people" for whom the stage has become their life's calling.

Theatre director and artist Nikolai Akimov believed that "the theatre begins with the poster." The "Legacy. Theatre. The Greats" exposition begins here — at the National Centre RUSSIA.