Multicultural theatrical discourse of Tomsk at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries (based on Ukrainian touring troupes)

Theater plays a special role in the general cultural and civic development of the Siberian intelligentsia due to its accessibility and effect on the feelings of the audience. In Siberia, local theater groups appear regularly but touring troupes from Russian centers, from Ukraine and even artists from Europe come frequently. Almost all the leading Siberian newspapers publish the detailed analysis of the theater, the actors' play, and later even the works of Russian, Ukrainian and foreign opera. Mainly, Tomsk theater history consists of separate plots of single plays and theater tours. Ukrainian touring troupes were a special chapter in the theatrical life of Tomsk, the rich details of which are presented on the pages of Sibirskiy vestnik ("Siberian Messenger") in the period from 1885 to 1904. During this period several Ukrainian troupes stayed at Tomsk, among them was the founder of the Ukrainian theater troupe, M.L. Kropyvnytsky. The Ukrainian troupe tour led by F.A. Chmara presents an interesting episode in multicultural discourse. The performances were held in Tomsk in the winter of 1903 and their reviews were presented in the publications by of Vs. Dolgorukov, I. Olguin, G. Vyatkin. Theater reviewers analyzed almost the entire repertoire of the Ukrainian troupe; the acting was professionally evaluated too. The Ukrainian touring troupe, which later consolidated with the Russian drama troupe of Yu.F. Strogova, made a significant contribution to the revival of the Russian province cultural life. The Ukrainian touring troupe peak in Tomsk was in the years preceding the First Russian Revolution and the time of resettlement of Ukrainians in Siberia. Subsequently, the number of tours reduced gradually, which was due to the historical events and the creation of an amateur theater at the Ukrainian club which largely satisfied the audience demand for the Ukrainian national repertoire.

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