Film Adaptations of the Theatrical Performances in Ukrainian Cinematography during the USSR Period

Author

Yelchyk Oksana

the 4th-year postgraduate student of M. Rylskyi Institute of Art Studies, Folkloristics and Ethnology of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine (Kyiv, Ukraine).

ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0009-0004-2825-515X

Film Adaptations of the Theatrical Performances in Ukrainian Cinematography during the USSR Period

Abstract

The article is focused on the processes of film adaptation of theatrical performances in Ukrainian cinema during the period of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics; their impact on the development of the film industry and national identity is analyzed; the key trends and achievements in this direction are highlighted. The film adaptations of theatrical performances are of a great significance in the development of Ukrainian national cinematography. Studying the history of film adaptation in the USSR (Ukrainian SSR) in the light of the peculiarities of Ukraine’s development enables better understanding of the influence of political and socio-cultural conditions on cinematographic processes. The film adaptation of theatrical performances in Ukraine have started in the 1900s, when the first attempts to integrate theatrical elements into the cinematic form are made by Ukrainian cinematographers. The first film adaptations are distinguished by their simplicity and technical limitations. However, the foundation is laid for the further development of the film industry. Ukrainian filmmakers have used theatrical sets, costumes and acting, those give the films a special charm and authenticity. At the same time, these films help to form a national identity, since they are based on the well-known literary and theatrical works. The figurative system of the cinematography is formed, the film language system is improved with the development of signs of independent art in it. Filmmakers have worked with the original scripts mostly. With regard to film adaptations of literary works, the directors have approached rather cautiously to prevent excessive illustrativeness. Various possibilities for film adaptations of literary works as well as also of theatrical performances have appeared with the advent of sound cinema. New opportunities are used for both directors and actors. The films have become more complex and multifaceted, conveying not only visual, but also auditory aspects of dramatic works.

Keywords

film adaptation, theatrical performances, Ukrainian cinematography, USSR, film language, film-performance.

References

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