March 27 – World Theatre Day
On March 27, the Russian House in Brussels hosted a celebration of International Theatre Day, organized in collaboration with two leading Russian museums. The A.A. Bakhrushin Theatre Museum presented the exhibition “The Magician of the Imperial Theatres: Alexander Golovin” and the lecture “Russian Seasons: The Era of Triumph,” prepared by Maya Komarova, Deputy Head of the Museum’s International Activities Department. The State Russian Museum showcased the exhibition “Léon Bakst: From the Collection of the Russian Museum.”
Maya Komarova’s lecture highlighted the grand success of Sergei Diaghilev’s “Russian Seasons,” which premiered on May 19, 1909, at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris. The performances of Russian ballet stars such as Vaslav Nijinsky, Ida Rubinstein, Tamara Karsavina, and Anna Pavlova, along with the work of outstanding artists Alexander Golovin, Léon Bakst, Alexander Benois, and Nicholas Roerich, caused a sensation across Europe. The lecture explored the influence of “Russian Seasons” on 20th-century global theatre.
The fascinating history of Diaghilev’s “Russian Seasons” is worthy of an adventure novel. The lecture focused on its most remarkable chapters.
After the lecture, guests had the opportunity to explore the exhibition “The Magician of the Imperial Theatres: Alexander Golovin,” showcasing the work of the outstanding artist, designer, and stage decorator. The exhibition runs until April 24.
A project dedicated to one of the most renowned Russian theatre artists, Alexander Golovin (1863–1930), was created with the support of the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation and the Russkiy Mir Foundation.
The Bakhrushin Museum holds over 1,300 works by Golovin, whose legacy has influenced both Russian and global stage design.
The Brussels exhibition features digital images of costume and set designs for operas such as “The Maid of Pskov” (Bolshoi Theatre, 1901), “Ruslan and Lyudmila” (Mariinsky Theatre, 1902), “Carmen” (Mariinsky Theatre, 1908), “Das Rheingold” (Mariinsky Theatre, 1905), as well as ballets like “Swan Lake” and “The Magic Mirror” (Mariinsky Theatre, 1903), including sketches created for Diaghilev’s “Russian Seasons.” The exhibition includes more than 130 theatre sketches, programs, photo portraits of Alexander Golovin, Vsevolod Meyerhold, Konstantin Korovin, and photographs of performances.
Golovin’s most famous works as a theatre artist date from his collaboration with director Vsevolod Meyerhold. The exhibition features sketches of costumes, scenery, and curtains for the play “Masquerade” based on Mikhail Lermontov’s drama, for which Golovin created over 4,000 sketches.
Golovin insisted that all artistic elements—set design, costumes, props, and makeup—be developed by a single creator. He meticulously studied historical materials and never borrowed from others, designing every detail himself, down to ornaments and architectural elements.
Additionally, until April 24, the outdoor stands of the Russian House will showcase the exhibition “Léon Bakst: From the Collection of the Russian Museum,” dedicated to the legacy of the great stage designer.
The event allowed visitors to immerse themselves in the history of Russian theatre, experience the works of great masters, and feel the triumphant atmosphere of Sergei Diaghilev’s “Russian Seasons.”
