Theatrical playbills and programs are an important historical source for understanding the cultural and social life of the country. Pre-revolutionary theatre posters are especially revealing because they often recorded charity collections. Benefit performances were staged in both capitals and provincial towns to aid victims of fires, floods, shipwrecks, droughts, crop failures, earthquakes, and other calamities, both in Russia and abroad. These posters also show how theatrical charity worked in practice: who organized performances, how much of the proceeds went to relief, what plays were chosen, and how ticket prices were set. Even in times of tragedy, theatres often preferred comedies, vaudevilles, and popular plays, since they attracted larger audiences and helped raise more funds.

31.03.2026