Abstract:
The article considers the socio-cultural conditions that affected the process of formation and development of Ukrainian music and drama theatre of last third of the XIX – beginning of XX century. Ukrainian music and drama theatre is being investigated as an integral part of Ukrainian theater culture, bright national historical and cultural phenomenon. The research methodology is the use of historical-cultural, comparative methods and art techniques that make it possible to analyse the main aspects of the prominent Ukrainian figures’ activity to determine their role in the cultural progress of Ukrainians. Scientific novelty consists in expanding of the conception of activity of Ukrainian theatre personalities and grounding of their ethnic-consolidating and nation-creating role in the national culture development. Conclusions. The activity of outstanding theatrical figures was an important national and cultural revival factor in the process of national identity development, preservation and cultivation of historical memory. It proved the creative kinship of Ukrainian theatrical culture with European culture.