The Moscow Jewish Theatre (1919-1920)

During those years Chagall, like many avant-garde artists, concentrated on creating works for Russian theatre, an experience that culminated in his significant encounter with the Moscow Jewish Theatre. He created the sets and costumes for the plays of Sholem Aleichem as well as seven painted murals for the theatre auditorium. The design of the scenery suggested a style of acting that differed from the current practice, shifting from a gentle humour to the genre of farce and pantomime.

  • Composition with Circles and Goat - Jewish Theatre. Oil on cardboard mounted on chipboard, 1920. Private Collection

  • The Man Urinating. Study - Jewish Theatre. Gouache, oil and graphite on cardboard, 1920. Private Collection

  • Man with Goat. Pencil and watercolour on paper, 1919. Private Collection

  • Study for 'Dance' - Jewish Theatre. Pencil and ink on paper, 1919. Private Collection

  • Costume Design for Scholem Aleichem’s 'Agents'. Watercolour and pencil on paper, 1919. Private Collection

  • Set Design for Scholem Aleichem’s 'Mazeltov'. Oil and black pencil on paper pasted on cardboard, 1919. Private Collection