New Russian Drama: An Anthology

New Russian Drama emerged in Russia and the former Soviet republics at the turn of the new millennium as a major artistic movement that startled audiences with hypernaturalistic portrayals of sex and violence, daring use of non-normative language, and thrilling experiments with genre and form. It committed to investigating contemporary reality and provoked confrontations with traditionalists in society and places of power, making theater once again Russia's most politicized art form. This anthology offers an introduction to New Russian Drama through plays that illustrate the versatility and global relevance of this exciting movement, addressing pressing social issues and reimagining traditional genres and canons.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 504 pages
Publication date: 06 August 2019
Publisher: Columbia University Press

At the dawn of the new millennium, a remarkable theatrical movement emerged in Russia and the former Soviet republics. This movement, known as New Russian Drama, began as a humble endeavor, sprouting from small playwriting festivals, provincial theaters, and converted basements. However, it quickly evolved into a significant artistic force that captivated audiences with its hyperrealistic portrayals of sex and violence, daring use of non-normative language, and exhilarating experiments with genre and form.

The commitment of New Russian Drama to exploring contemporary reality played a vital role in revitalizing Russian theater. It sparked confrontations with traditionalists in society and positions of power, making theater once again a highly politicized art form in Russia. This movement's influence extended beyond the borders of Russia, captivating international audiences with its unique blend of artistic innovation and social commentary.

This anthology serves as a gateway into the world of New Russian Drama, presenting a selection of plays that showcase the movement's diversity and international significance. These plays address a wide range of social issues, including ethnic tensions, political disillusionment, and the complexities of modern life. They also engage with Russia's rich cultural heritage by reimagining traditional genres and canons, offering fresh perspectives on classical texts and legends.

Among the featured plays are a family drama inspired by Anton Chekhov, a modern production that features factory workers composing haiku, and a satirical verse play that humorously examines the treatment of migrant workers. Additionally, there is a documentary play that recounts a terrorist school siege, and a postdramatic "text" that consists of only two sentences. These diverse works demonstrate the boundless creativity and experimentation that characterize New Russian Drama.

What sets New Russian Drama apart is its unwavering political and aesthetic integrity. These plays are not afraid to challenge societal norms and expectations, pushing the boundaries of performance and challenging the audience to reflect on the status and mission of the theater. They offer a fresh perspective on the human condition, exploring the complexities of love, loss, power, and identity in a way that is both thought-provoking and visually stunning.

In conclusion, New Russian Drama emerged as a transformative force in the theatrical landscape at the turn of the new millennium. It brought forth, a fresh perspective on the human condition, challenging societal norms and expectations, and revitalizing Russian theater. Through its hyperrealistic portrayals of sex and violence, daring use of non-normative language, and exhilarating experiments with genre and form, this movement has captivated audiences worldwide. This anthology offers an introduction to the world of New Russian Drama, showcasing its versatility and global relevance. It encourages English-language readers to explore the rich tapestry of this exciting theatrical movement and reflect on the status and mission of the theater in the twenty-first century.

Weight: 592g
Dimension: 141 x 217 x 31 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780231185110