Musical performances on the modern stage : genres, themes, interpretations

Abstract

The aim of the study was to identify the features of genre diversity and artistic-imagery content in contemporary stage productions with a musical component. The research methodology included art and musicological analysis, as well as a structural-semantic approach. The content analysis method was used to identify the main thematic trends. The study of the thematic content of contemporary musical performances revealed several key trends. Firstly, a significant number of productions focused on the exploration of national identity, historical events, and cultural heritage – reflected in performances based on Ukrainian literary classics and folklore. Secondly, there was a noticeable interest in social issues, particularly themes of war, emigration, and the search for self in changing sociocultural conditions. The approaches combined traditional vocal-instrumental forms with innovative stage solutions – such as multimedia technologies, interactive audience engagement, and the fusion of live performance with electronic music. Particular attention was paid to scenography and choreographic design – both of which strongly influenced the overall dramaturgy of the productions. In the course of the study, it was demonstrated that contemporary musical performances played an important role in the development of Ukrainian theatre and musical art – contributing to the renewal of traditional forms, enrichment of the performance palette, and expansion of theatre’s influence on a wider audience. These performances became an effective means of communication between the artist and society, as well as a reflection of current cultural and social processes.