Theatrical arts of Jews in Belarus

Introduction. Spiritual culture occupies an important place in the life of the Jews in Belarus. Its important component is art, including theatrical. In Belarus since the 16th century there are many different Jewish theatrical associations, but they have not been sufficiently studied to date. There are no special works on this problem in the ethnological literature. At the same time, the analysis of the process of their creation, repertoire and activity, determination of forms and structure is of great scientific interest and is of great practical importance. Research methods. The structural method was applied for studying Jewish theater associations in Belarus. This method allowed to identify their forms (clubs, enterprises, studios, theaters) and structure. To consider the process of creating theater associations, activities in different historical periods, the comparative-historical method was applied. The functional method was also used, with the help of which the functions of theatrical associations were clarified. Results. On the basis of the analyzed scientific literature, the article examines the process of creating Jewish theatrical associations in Belarus, identifies their forms, structure, clarifies the drama and activities in various historical periods. Theatrical associations are also characterized, which used in their performances works of modern and classical drama, which absorbed the best features of Jewish culture on the Belarusian land, widely turned to Jewish literature, staged the first plays of many authors. Discussion and conclusion. As a result of the study, it was revealed that the theatrical art of the Jews of Belarus began to develop in the 16th century, and the repertoire of Jewish theatrical associations (clubs, enterprises, studios and theaters) consisted mainly of Jewish classical and Soviet drama, Western European comedies. They also staged a high tragedy, vaudeville and operettas. The performances of these associations are characterized by a striving for bright stylized folk shows with sharp satirism, grotesque, buffoonery, carnivalism. Jewish theatrical art has made a notable contribution to Jewish culture. It contributed to the ideological, aesthetic and international education of the people.