Performing Nationalism in Russia

This Element explores the cultural geography of modern-day Russia, analyzing the performative strategies used by the Russian state to uphold its nationalist project, and the artistic strategies of resistance employed by state-funded and independent theatre companies.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 88 pages
Publication date: 29 February 2024
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

This Element, following Homi Bhabha's prompt on reading nationalism as a set of discursive and performative practices, delves into the cultural geography of contemporary Russia. It explores a diverse array of performative strategies employed by the Russian state to sustain its nationalist project. Simultaneously, it charts artistic resistance strategies to the ideology of nationalism, as showcased by both state-funded and independent theatre companies, through innovative dramaturgies, performance practices, and storytelling techniques.

Introduction:
Nationalism, as a complex and multifaceted phenomenon, has played a significant role in shaping the cultural landscape of Russia. In the context of contemporary Russia, nationalism has taken on a particularly dynamic and contentious form, with the Russian state employing various discursive and performative strategies to uphold its nationalist project. This Element aims to examine the cultural geography of today's Russia, exploring the ways in which the Russian state employs performative strategies to reinforce its nationalist agenda.

The Cultural Geography of Contemporary Russia:
Russia's cultural geography is characterized by its vast size, diverse ethnicities, and historical complexities. The country has a rich cultural heritage that spans centuries, including literature, art, music, and dance. However, the recent political developments in Russia have led to a surge in nationalism, with the Russian state using various means to promote and consolidate its nationalist ideology.

Performative Strategies of the Russian State:
The Russian state employs a range of performative strategies to uphold its nationalist project. These strategies include the use of state-sponsored media outlets, such as television and radio, to promote nationalist narratives and values. The state also organizes cultural events and festivals that celebrate Russian heritage and promote national unity.

In addition to these state-sponsored strategies, the Russian state has also employed independent theatre companies to promote its nationalist agenda. These theatre companies often use innovative dramaturgies, performance practices, and storytelling techniques to challenge the dominant nationalist narratives and promote alternative perspectives.

Artistic Strategies of Resistance:
Despite the efforts of the Russian state to promote nationalism, there is a vibrant artistic community that employs strategies of resistance to the ideology of nationalism. State-funded and independent theatre companies, for example, have used new dramaturgies, performance practices, and storytelling strategies to challenge the dominant nationalist narratives and promote alternative perspectives.

One of the most notable examples of artistic resistance to nationalism is the work of the Moscow Art Theater (MKT). The MKT is a state-funded theatre company that has been at the forefront of promoting alternative perspectives and challenging the dominant nationalist narratives. The company has produced a series of plays that explore the complexities of Russian history, culture, and society, including works that address issues of racism, homophobia, and transphobia.

Another example of artistic resistance to nationalism is the work of independent theatre companies, such as the Theater of War. The Theater of War is a non-profit theatre company that produces plays that address issues of war, conflict, and human rights. The company has used innovative performance practices, such as immersive theatre and site-specific performances, to create powerful and thought-provoking works that challenge the dominant nationalist narratives.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, nationalism has played a significant role in shaping the cultural geography of contemporary Russia. The Russian state employs a range of performative strategies to uphold its nationalist project, including state-sponsored media outlets, cultural events, and independent theatre companies. However, there is a vibrant artistic community that employs strategies of resistance to the ideology of nationalism, using innovative dramaturgies, performance practices, and storytelling techniques to challenge the dominant nationalist narratives and promote alternative perspectives. By examining the cultural geography of contemporary Russia and the strategies of resistance employed by both state-funded and independent theatre companies, we can gain a deeper understanding of the complex dynamics of nationalism and its impact on Russian society.

ISBN-13: 9781009451963