S.Jones, "Geisha" (History of a tea house). Operetta. (Denisov N.) Soviet Posters (1917-1941)

This is a poster for the opera The Geisha: The Story of a Teahouse, which premiered at the Shelaputin Theatre on December 29, 1897. The poster is richly detailed, presented in a visually striking East Asian style.

On the left, two figures, likely geishas, are depicted. The one on the left has her hand on her cheek, a gesture that could suggest contemplation, sadness, or even a hint of intrigue. The figure on the right is pointing towards a vertical column of text. Both figures are elaborately dressed in traditional Japanese attire, with intricate patterns on their kimonos. The background features floral motifs and a bird, further enhancing the Japanese aesthetic.

The right side of the poster is dominated by the title ГЕЙША (Geisha) in large, bold, stylized letters. This section also contains a great deal of text in Russian, detailing the performance. It mentions the director, the date, the nature of the production as a Russian operetta, and lists the cast members and their roles. The text also references the originality of the libretto and music, and mentions that the staging, costumes, and props were created by renowned artists. Theres a note about the grand spectacular setting and magnificent costumes, suggesting a lavish production. The lower part of the poster depicts a character in a dynamic, almost acrobatic pose, dressed in a red and gold costume, possibly representing a comedic or energetic element of the performance.

Subtext and Interpretation:

The posters design is a deliberate fusion of Western theatrical advertising and Japanese artistic motifs. The use of Japanese imagery and the storys setting clearly aim to exoticize the production for a late 19th-century Russian audience. The contrast between the serene geishas on the left and the lively figure on the right might hint at the operas contrasting emotional tones, possibly blending romance, drama, and humor.

The title, The Geisha: The Story of a Teahouse, suggests a narrative centered around the lives and experiences of geishas within their specific social environment. The emphasis on new decorations, costumes, props, and scenery indicates that the visual spectacle was a key selling point. The overall impression is of a production that offers both cultural novelty and engaging entertainment, likely playing on Western fascination with the exotic East. The elaborate script and detailed cast list suggest a serious and well-produced theatrical event.