ABOUT THE THEATRICAL LIFE OF BAKU IN THE BEGINNING OF THE XX CENTURY

 Theatrical life of Baku in 1907-1908 is characterized in presented article. Materials of Russian-speaking press functioning in Azerbaijan from the end of XIX century underlie on the basis. The activity and status of Russian-speaking press of the city. It promotes character of Russian-speaking press concluding in itself and social aspects, professional and artistic aspects of reflection of theatrical life of the town. 

Systematic character and frequency of publications of Russian-speaking press witness about the interest and cultural life of Baku and reflects the intensity of connections of Azerbaijan and Russia.

The significance of survey of theatrical life exactly in 1907 is accentuated of the article, for in 1908 there was realized the erection of the first opera in the Near and Middle East, the opera of U.Hajybayli “Leyli and Majnun”. Correspondingly, the survey of theatrical life of Baku on the eve of this event there witnesses about prerequisites of this event. 

The attention in the article is concentrated in tours of some theatrical troupes which became bright impressions for Bakuers. So, in September 1907 theatrical troupe of brothers Gonsales played on tour on September, 1907. Undoubtedly, all performances of the troupe were reflected in the press. These were by G.Verdi’s, P.Mascagni’s, P.Leoncavallo’s, Sh.Gounod’s, G.Meyerbeer’s, D.Rossini’s, G.Bizet’s works. Reviews distinguishing with professional character are arraged in the article. Laudatory reviews and critics were sounded in the articles. 

The articles of Russian-speaking authors on the occasion of performances of Gewish dramatic troupes. The author of articles using the pseudonym Di  Kodl repeatedly performs in press. In his articles there were raised serious problems of jewish theatre, repertoire, actors and language. 

Speaking about the tours of Russian dramatic troupes under the management of A.N.Kruchinin, Russian-speaking press accentuated the facts of their charitable activity in Baku.