Touring poster of the Moscow Chamber Theater (in French). (Stenberg V., Stenberg G.) Soviet Posters (1917-1941)

The poster presents a striking visual composition designed to announce performances at the Theatre des Champs-Elysees. The overall aesthetic is characterized by geometric abstraction and bold typography, indicative of Constructivist principles prevalent in early twentieth-century Russia.
At the top, a stylized figure appears to be striding or leaping across the frame. This individual, rendered in stark black against a yellow background, conveys dynamism and movement, suggesting an energetic theatrical experience. The dates 6-23 and MARS 1923 are positioned on either side of this figure, anchoring the announcement within a specific timeframe.
The central element is a circular arrangement of the words “Kamerney Teatr” (Chamber Theatre) in Cyrillic script. This circular design, intersected by diagonal lines, creates a sense of rotation and visual complexity. The use of bold, sans-serif typography reinforces the poster’s modern sensibility. Smaller text blocks list the repertoire – Phedre, Adrienne Lecouvreur, Salomee, and “Princesse Brambille” – alongside directorial credits (Sous la direction artistique d Alexandre Tairoff). The inclusion of both French and Russian text suggests a dual audience, reflecting the theatre’s international reach.
The color palette is limited to black, yellow, and red, contributing to the posters graphic impact. These colors are employed in contrasting blocks, creating visual tension and drawing attention to key elements.
Subtly, the poster communicates more than just performance details. The abstracted figure suggests a departure from traditional theatrical representation, aligning with the Constructivist movement’s rejection of realism. The dynamic composition implies an innovative and modern approach to theatre itself – one that prioritizes energy and visual impact over conventional narrative depiction. The overall effect is not merely promotional; its a statement about the theatre’s artistic identity within a rapidly changing cultural landscape.