''Written with characteristic verve and clarity, Robert Leach's Russian Futurist Theatre is sure to become the definitive study on Futurism for historians and practitioners alike. Complex cultural and political histories are laid out with enviable simplicity; a period of such electric creativity sparks off the page.' Jonathan Pitches, University of Leeds A study of a key modernist form, its theory, practice and legacy What do we know today about the theatrical ferment caused by the scandalous group of Russian writers, artists, musicians and theatre makers who called themselves 'Futurists'? What can we learn from their iconoclastic and exciting theatre works? Underpinned by theoretical writings, manifestoes and demonstrations, Russian Futurist Theatre explores one of the most brilliant but least documented theatre explosions of the last 100 years. It is the first book to comprehensively uncover the Russian futurist theatre in all its virtuosity and diversity. Revealing a wealth of extraordinary theatre work and a barely-known group of theatre practitioners, the book finds new ways to explore the interface between literature, theory and performance. Robert Leach is a prize-winning poet, theatre director and academic. He directed the Russian premiere of I Want a Baby by Sergei Tretyakov in Moscow, and created The Lichfield Mysteries, a day-long presentation of medieval mystery plays based around 'the Lichfield Fragments'. Cover image: Vladimir Mayakovsky, costume design for The Priest in Mystery Bouffe, which was not used Cover design: [EUP logo] edinburghuniversitypress.com ISBN 978-1-4744-0244-6 Barcode