ISSN 2411-0795
ISSN 2411-0795
Keywords: theatrical dialogue, V.E. Meyerhold, Mei Lanfang, conventional theatre, oriental theatrical traditions
Van Chzhunsin The Theatrical Dialogue between V.E. Meyerhold and Mei Lanfang: Inspiration and Creativity. // Theory and History of Art. 2024. N 3/4, p.296–323
This article deals with the issue of cross-cultural exchange in the field of theatrical art between the West and the East in the mid-20th century on the example of the theatrical dialogue between V.E. Meyerhold and Mei Lanfang. The author analyses the influence of traditional theatrical techniques of Chinese theatre on the Russian stage culture of the Silver Age.
The article is based on a comparative analysis of key aspects in theatrical art of the 20th century: the problem of conventional theatre and symbolism, Meyerhold's biomechanics and the "four skills and five methods" used in training Chinese actors, the typology of roles and the formation of the artistic image, pre-game techniques and other theatrical techniques that became part of the dramatic dialogue between W.E. Meyerhold and Mei Lanfang. These two personalities embodied two traditions; the starting point of their intercultural dialogue was Lanfang's visit to the USSR.
This article focuses on the processuality and incompleteness of this intercultural dialogue, on the interpenetration and co-action of key ideas of Eastern and Western theatrical traditions, embodied in the transformation and formation of Meyerhold's creative genius.