Politics and Putinism: A Critical Examination of New Russian Drama

James Rowson

Research output: ThesisDoctoral Thesis

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Abstract

This thesis will contextualise and critically explore how New Drama (Novaya Drama)
has been shaped by and adapted to the political, social, and cultural landscape under
Putinism (from 2000). It draws on close analysis of a variety of plays written by a
burgeoning collection of playwrights from across Russia, examining how this
provocative and political artistic movement has emerged as one of the most vehement
critics of the Putin regime. This study argues that the manifold New Drama repertoire
addresses key facets of Putinism by performing suppressed and marginalised voices in
public arenas. It contends that New Drama has challenged the established, normative
discourses of Putinism presented in the Russian media and by Putin himself, and
demonstrates how these productions have situated themselves in the context of the
nascent opposition movement in Russia. By doing so, this thesis will offer a fresh
perspective on how New Drama’s precarious engagement with Putinism provokes
political debate in contemporary Russia, and challenges audience members to
consider their own role in Putin’s autocracy.
Original languageEnglish
QualificationPh.D.
Awarding Institution
  • Royal Holloway, University of London
Supervisors/Advisors
  • Megson, Chris, Supervisor
Award date1 Jun 2018
Publication statusUnpublished - 2017

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