THE IDENTITY OF STAGE DESIGN AS A COMPONENT OF UKRAINIAN CULTURE OF THE 21ST CENTURY

The vocabulary of Ukrainian scenic art is extremely rich in artistic devices and metaphors. The formation of Ukrainian identity on the world art scene explains the growing interest of the scientific community in the phenomenon of Ukrainian culture, thus contributing to the relevance of the study of Ukrainian scenography as one of the aspects of Ukrainian culture of the 21st century. The purpose of the article is to identify the features of the identity of Ukrainian stage design in the context of cultural and social changes of the 21st century and in particular, in 2022. The following methods were used in the study: analytical, typological, terminological analysis and survey. As a result of the study, a list of the main ethnic elements used in theatrical performances to create a metaphorical image of the identity of Ukrainian culture in scenic art was defined. The study examined the issue of identity in scenography and Ukrainian culture in general, including the public’s attitude toward the use of ethnic elements aimed at achieving a metaphorical image of identity for the cultural past of the Ukrainian people in stage design. Accordingly, the study conducted a survey of visitors to theatrical events in Kyiv at the Lesya Ukrainka National Academic Theatre regarding the placement of ethnic elements as the main component of scenic identity in the production of plays on the stage of the contemporary Ukrainian drama theatre. Summarising the results of the survey, it is possible to trace the Ukrainian audience’s preference for the use of traditional attributes in scenography during performances and art events dedicated to the appropriate coverage of Ukrainian culture. This research is of practical importance for stage designers and researchers of the identity of the Ukrainian stage space.