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Fyodorov M.L. A Journey to the Old Russia and Back. Bogatyry by Demian Bedny. Studia Litterarum, 2017, vol. 2, no 3, pp. 236–251. (In Russ.) DOI: 10.22455/2500-4247-2017-2-3-236-251

Author: M.L. Fyodorov
Information about the author:

Maksim L. Fyodorov, PhD in Philology, Senior Researcher A.M. Gorky Institute of World Literature of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Po- varskaya 25 а, 121069 Moscow, Russia. E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Received: July 03, 2017
Published: September 25, 2017
Issue: 2017 Vol. 2, №3
Department: Russian Literature
Pages: 236-251
DOI:

https://doi.org/10.22455/2500-4247-2017-2-3-236-251

UDK: 821.161.1
BBK: 83.3(2Рос=Рус)6
Keywords: Kamerny theater, Tairov, Demyan Bedny, history.

Abstract

The article examines the history of writing and staging of Demyan Bedny’s play Bogatyry (Epic Heroes) at Kamerny theater. The play is based on the legend about the Baptism of the Rus.’ Bedny represents the images of epic heroes and the legendary prince Vladimir in satirical, even grotesque light. Such understanding of ancient Russian history was congenial with the ideas of the Soviet historians of the 1920s. In the changed climate of the second half of the 1930s (defeat of the historical school of M.N. Pokrovsky), such attitude became perceived as deeply wrong. The performance was closed while the director A.Y. Tairov and Demyan Bedny were subjected to disgrace.

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