Publicistic Activity of Singer Zoia Haidai under Soviet Propaganda of the 1930s-1950s.

Abstract

The purpose of the article is to examine one aspect of the creative activity of Ukrainian singer Z. Haidai – her publicistic activity conducted under the conditions of Soviet propaganda in the 1930s–1950s, to highlight the content of her publications, assess the degree of the artist's involvement in disseminating propagandistic narratives, and to uncover her true opinions and views in order to understand the essence of her personality. Research methodology involves the application of a source-study method for the analysis of archival documents – Haidai’s articles and diaries, as well as other materials on the research topic. A concrete-historical method is employed to analyse the influence of social and political processes in the USSR and the world in the 1930s–1950s on the subject and orientation of the singer's publicistic activity. General scientific methods (analysis, synthesis, generalisation, comparison) are used for a thorough study and to form an evidence-based conclusion. The article's scientific novelty lies in the analysis of the content of Z. Haidai's publications from the 1930s–1950s, created under the influence of totalitarian-era propaganda, as well as her diaries, which provide insights into her foreign assignments. The study of these sources allows for determining the subject of the articles, evaluating the extent of the famous artist’s involvement in disseminating Soviet propagandistic content, that contributed to shaping public consciousness, and revealing the essence of her views, value system, and personal integrity within the context of living in a totalitarian state. Conclusions. The analysis of Z. Haidai's publicistic activity during the 1930s–1950s, conducted within the framework of Soviet propaganda, made it possible to reveal the subject of the articles and the extent of the singer's involvement as a prominent and active figure, in the broadcasting of propagandistic narratives to shape public consciousness in a totalitarian state. Being a victim of Soviet propaganda herself, the singer sought, whenever possible, to contribute to the building of a "bright future". However, the realities of life in the "country of the Soviets", compared to foreign states she visited, did not meet her high hopes, as revealed in her diaries. Through her observance, sincerity, and objectivity – traits characteristic of a thoughtful individual that Z. Haidai turned out to be – her system of "Soviet values" was able to be shaken. Today, the singer’s publications can be considered as documents of the totalitarian era of the 1930s–1950s.