Images and implications of F. M. Dostoevsky’s novel “Demons” at «the New Art theatre». experience of the cultural and philosophical analysis

Abstract

The article overviews the brief history of the onstage embodiment of F.M.Dostoevsky’s novel called
«Demons». The author claims that the images of the novel are required by the theatre at the critical moments of our history. The plot and the characters are seen by the directors as the reflection of the alarming social problems, those of terror and violence. In this context the author of the article analyzes the artistic features of the performance staged in the New Art Theatre in Chelyabinsk. The article provides a detailed investigation of the philosophical message conveyed by the performance and shows its close connection with scenography and acting peculiarities. The author concludes that the performance is really profound and full of meaning, which encourages the spectator to empathize and to reflect on serious philosophical subjects.