Konstantin Bogomolov, the artistic director of the Bronnaya Theater, described an ambitious new initiative during a recent interview, highlighting its potential to reshape audience engagement. The project, which he referred to as a bold new field for the venue, marks the creation of what he calls the Art Council Project. Nestled in the theatre lobby, this space functions as a dynamic educational art object, inviting visitors to glimpse the inner workings of theatrical production and to understand how a performance comes to life from concept to curtain. In addition to live components, the area will host transcripts that recount the theater’s historical moments, offering a structured lens into the institution’s evolution and its cultural impact over the years.
Bogomolov emphasized that the Bronnaya House possesses a substantial archive of material that has not yet been made public. The space will showcase short recordings of artistic councils and theatrical debates, effectively presenting the backstage rituals and conversations that often remain hidden from the audience. This repository — a kind of sacrament of theater — will illuminate what transpired behind the scenes in the 1970s and 1980s, providing contemporary viewers with a richer sense of the institution’s lineage and the social context in which its productions were created. The installation is designed to be ever-evolving, with room for additional voices and perspectives as new material comes to light.
Visitors to the exhibition will have the chance to experience the installation firsthand, moving through a curated sequence that blends historical documentation with contemporary interpretations of the craft. In ongoing plans, the theater intends to weave the venue visit into its broader public programming, inviting both residents and visitors to incorporate the exhibition into their itineraries while attending a live performance. The project aims to grow over time, with new video elements added, including footage from the rehearsal rooms of current productions, giving audiences a sense of immediacy and process alongside the final staged result.
Previously, Bogomolov voiced a provocative stance on the relationship between language and performance, challenging traditional norms about profanity on stage. He argued that the expressive power of linguistic rawness can be integral to authentic acting, suggesting that restraint is not always required to convey deep emotion. He described a concept of linguistic nudity that may surface in performances when it serves as a genuine reflection of character and circumstance, not merely for shock value. This viewpoint aligns with a broader conversation about how contemporary theater can balance artistic honesty with audience sensibilities while still pushing boundaries and inviting viewers to engage more deeply with the material.