Theatrical historical performances as a form of cultural solidarity in the space of a provincial town (early 1920-s)

Abstract

The article studies historical theatre performances on the territory of Kazan in the early 20s of the XX century on the basis of available historical sources and scientific literature. The political and cultural elite of the new state was faced with the task of attracting the attention of Soviet citizens to new, revolutionary symbols and values, since a significant part of the population, especially in the provinces, was still «eyeing» the Soviet order. After October 1917 the most common form of Soviet political celebration in the country was not only rallies and solemn meetings but plays on historical and revolutionary themes. Within the framework of the historical and cultural context, the connection of theatrical productions with innovative methods of influencing to the viewer is revealed. All the participants of the performances in Kazan were involved in the plot outline of the reproduced dramatic events of the recent past with their amateur, involved presence. On the streets and squares of Kazan, as well as many other Russian cities, a collective creation unprecedented in the history of world culture arose, where the natural experience of the dramatic moment of the past became a mysterious process and, at the same time, an original artistic text. During the theater, this was achieved in the most spectacular way, which was facilitated by both symbolic entourage and imitation of collective actions in which «random» meetings with participants in real events could take place. All this had a strong impact on the perception of the historical plot as the only possible scenario of historical reality and inspired a sense of deep involvement in the memorable event. Living the past as real created a new space of unprecedented ecstatic solidarity, where collective action became not just a political act of the revolutionary mass, strengthening the individual’s sense of belonging, belonging to the whole, it manifested the energy of the present moment, returning to disequilibrium and uncertainty, emotionally plunging into a situation of choice. The nascent unity of personalities was at the same time the foundation of a new social identity and at the same time the hope of restoring personality and society, unconscious cleansing from the hardships of reality, getting rid of ignorance, selfishness and inhumanity.