FROM AMATEURISM TO PROFESSIONALISM: SOVIET FOLK ART IN LVIV, 1944–1953

The restoration of the activities of Lviv Regional House of Folk Art, as well as its role and impact within the cultural milieu of Lviv, are the subjects of this study. The research examines the influence exerted by the House of Folk Art on the artistic communities within both the city and the surrounding region, highlighting the shifts in the political landscape concerning the adherence to and implementation of the principles of socialist realism across all institutional endeavors. A distinct aspect of this investigation is the establishment and developmental trajectory of the Lviv Puppet Theater, which was initially founded and operated under the auspices of the House of Folk Art. Supplementary materials on the creative achievements of the Theater of Folk Art, which emerged from the ranks of amateur actors in Lviv and its region, further enrich the study. The complex evolution of both theaters is meticulously documented, particularly noting their early reliance on the fervent enthusiasm of a small cadre of Lviv university students aspiring to careers in acting. The repertoire strategy is scrutinized by the author, with an emphasis on the ideological facets of post-war theatrical life. The obligatory inclusion of performances aligned with the outlined plan, coupled with the extensive incorporation of works by Soviet authors, was intended to expedite the integration of the city into the Soviet cultural sphere. Keywords: Lviv, Soviets, House of Folk Art, Lviv Puppet Theater, performance, repertoire.