Role of the Kyiv State Children’s Musical Theatre in Shaping the Ballet Repertoire for Children and Youth (1980s–1990s)

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to examine the creative work of the opera and ballet troupes of the Kyiv State Children’s Musical Theatre and to identify the key factors that influenced the formation of a musical repertoire designed for children and adolescent audiences. The research methodology is grounded in general scientific approaches, including systematic, art historical, cultural, and historical analyses. These methods provide a comprehensive framework for exploring the artistic development and repertoire strategies of the theatre. The scientific novelty of this research lies in its focus on the early stage of the Kyiv State Children’s Musical Theatre’s creative development – an aspect studied here for the first time. This formative period, which occurred at the turn of the 1980s and 1990s, coincided with the emergence of a new layer of music specifically intended for young audiences. Conclusions During its initial period of activity (1985–1990s), the Kyiv State Children’s Musical Theatre featured a rich and diverse repertoire of musical works, including academic heritage and opera–ballet productions based on the music of both Ukrainian and international composers. This variety successfully demonstrated the high professional level, artistic maturity, and creative vision of its opera and ballet troupes, while also contributing to the global representation of Ukrainian musical and theatrical culture. Importantly, the repertoire covered a wide genre and thematic spectrum, engaging all age groups of child and adolescent audiences, while also resonating with the diverse tastes of adult viewers.