FROM AVANT-GARDE TO OFFICIALDOM. THEATER OF REVOLUTIONARY SATIRE AND “BLUE BLOUSE” IN MINSK IN THE 1920S

UDC 94(476)7.03.792.03«1920»+394.2(476)

 

Denisov Anton Vladimirovich – PhD (History), Associate Professor, Assistant Professor, the Department of Social Management. Belarusian National Technical University (65, Nezavisimosti Ave., 220013, Minsk, Republic of Belarus). E-mail: dzianisau.1982@gmail.com

 

 

Key words: Theater of revolutionary satire, agitation and propaganda, “Blue Blouse”, nationality policy, mass revolutionary celebrations, living newspaper, Polish theater in Soviet Belarus.

For citation: Denisov A. V. From avant-garde to officialdom. Theater of revolutionary satire and “Blue Blouse” in Minsk in the 1920s. Proceedings of BSTU, issue 6, History, Philosophy, 2024, no. 1 (281), pp. 44–49 (In Russian). DOI: 10.52065/2520-6885-2024-281-8.

Abstract

The article, based on synchronous sources, archival documents and press publications, examines the activities of two artistic associations: the Theater of Revolutionary Satire and the Blue Blouse, which were active in Minsk in the 1920s. Both propaganda theaters operated on the principle of a “living newspaper”, combining political agitation and propaganda with elements of entertainment performances, dance performances and cabarets. The Minsk Theater of Revolutionary Satire produced performances and miniatures under the direction of E. A. Mirovich, V. P. Bazilevsky and P. P. Bogdanov. Despite the big plans of its leaders, the theater was able to realize itself and ceased its activities by 1922. But the request for new propaganda art led to the emergence of a new propaganda theater “Blue Blouse”, which had followers in Belarus and, in particular, a theater group led by playwright and public figure E. E. Boginsky. The article also clearly defines the connection and continuity between the Theater of Revolutionary Satire and the Blue Blouse, both common features and approaches to presenting scenes and plots, as well as differences. In the work of the Minsk “Blue Blouse” - the theater “Kropidło”, together with all-Union approaches, local cultural and national

specifics were largely implemented, expressed in the coverage of topics of national politics in the BSSR and Poland. Theater actors took part in street performances, mass events and politcarnivals during Soviet mass celebrations. Subsequently, propaganda groups were transformed into official state theaters.

 

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References

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11.03.2024