Foreigners About Theatrical Ceremonies and Rituals of Muscovy

The peculiarities of foreigners' perception of theatrical ceremonies and rituals in Muscovy are considered. Observing the solemn meetings of embassies and religious ceremonies, the authors note the characteristic features of the theatricalization of spectacles and express their attitude to them. They evaluate the stages of preparation and holding of ceremonies, the role of participants and the artistic organization of the holidays. The center of attention of foreigners was the solemn meetings of embassies and honored guests and two religious ceremonies – the “Procession on a donkey” on the last Sunday before Easter and the “Water Consecration” on the day of the Baptism of Jesus Christ. The travelers' notes clearly indicate the boundaries of the “stage space”, the direction of the action, the design of the main scenes and the “props” of the main characters of the spectacles. The question of the connection of theatrical ceremonies with the audience does not remain unnoticed.