The Forerunners of Russian Theatre

This book is about the fate of Russian buffoons. Based on extensive historical material, it reveals unknown or long-forgotten facts about the lives of the first Russian artists. For the first time, buffoons are presented as forerunners and heralds of Russian theatre, which became the direct heir to their creativity. The ancient East Slavs had various types of spectacles that were related to the ritual forms of pagan religious beliefs. The performance of rituals was accompanied by singing, playing musical instruments, dancing, and games. Most likely, this is how the buffoons appeared, whose life and creativity the author of this book captivatingly narrates.