Witness Onstage: Documentary Theatre in Twenty-First-Century Russia

Russian playwrights and directors use documentary theatre to create space for discussing injustice and the country's twentieth-century past, challenging state-sponsored media and inviting individuals to participate in a collective renegotiation of cultural narratives.

Format: Hardback
Length: 200 pages
Publication date: 22 October 2019
Publisher: Manchester University Press

As the Kremlin's crackdown on freedom of expression intensifies, Russian playwrights and directors are utilizing documentary theatre as a means to create a platform for the public discourse on injustice within the civic sphere and its ties to the country's twentieth-century history.

Witness Onstage delves into the historical trajectory of documentary theatre's rapid growth in contemporary Russia, contextualizing it within the socio-political landscape of the Putin era. It posits that by performing documents, Russian theatre artists are forging a novel cultural and historical archive that challenges the hegemony of state-sponsored media and invites individuals to engage in a collective renegotiation of cultural narratives.

The documentary theatre movement in Russia has witnessed a remarkable surge in recent years, driven by a growing demand for alternative forms of artistic expression amidst the restrictive political environment. This movement has emerged as a powerful tool for artists to challenge the dominant narratives propagated by the state and to engage the public in meaningful conversations about social and political issues.

One of the key features of documentary theatre is its ability to present real-life stories and experiences in a theatrical context. By using documentary materials such as interviews, archival footage, and personal narratives, theatre artists can create immersive and emotionally charged performances that allow audiences to connect with the issues being explored.

In the context of Russia, documentary theatre has become particularly relevant in the aftermath of the 2014 annexation of Crimea and the ongoing conflict in Eastern Ukraine. Playwrights and directors have used this form to shed light on the human cost of these conflicts and to challenge the official narratives propagated by the Russian government. For example, the play "The Trial" by Alexei Navalny, which was based on real-life events surrounding the arrest and prosecution of the opposition leader, has been performed across Russia and internationally to raise awareness about the corruption and abuses of power within the Russian state.

Another notable example of documentary theatre in Russia is the work of the theatre group "Theatre of War." This group uses documentary theatre to explore the experiences of soldiers and civilians caught up in armed conflicts, and to challenge the dominant narratives of war and heroism. Their production "The War Show" has been performed in multiple cities in Russia and has received critical acclaim for its powerful and emotional portrayal of the human cost of war.

In addition to its political significance, documentary theatre has also played a role in promoting cultural diversity and inclusivity in Russia. By presenting stories and experiences from marginalized communities, theatre artists can challenge stereotypes and promote understanding and empathy. For example, the play "The Other Side of the Bridge" by the theatre group "Theatre of Nations" explores the experiences of immigrants and refugees in Russia, and has been performed in communities across the country to promote cultural exchange and understanding.

Despite the challenges faced by documentary theatre in Russia, the movement has continued to thrive and grow. Artists and activists have used this form to push boundaries and challenge the status quo. For example, the theatre group "Theatre of Resistance" has used documentary theatre to explore the experiences of political prisoners and to advocate for their rights and freedoms. Their production "The Prison Show" has been performed in prisons and detention centers across Russia and has received critical acclaim for its powerful and emotional portrayal of the human rights abuses within the prison system.

In conclusion, documentary theatre has emerged as a powerful tool for Russian playwrights
and directors to create space for the public discussion of injustice in the civic sphere and its connections to the country's twentieth-century past. Through the practice of performing documents, Russian theatre artists are forging a new type of cultural and historical archive that challenges the dominance of state-sponsored media and invites individuals to participate in a collective renegotiation of cultural narratives. Witness Onstage provides a valuable insight into the history and significance of documentary theatre in contemporary Russia, and its potential to shape the future of artistic expression in the country.

Weight: 356g
Dimension: 144 x 224 x 13 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781526126191