Museum and theater on the way to unity: search for synthetic forms

The article deals with the formation of synthetic museum-theater form in modern conditions, and changes in the functions of the Museum and theater on the background of the development of the leisure industry. The author shows how the possibilities of these cultural institutions are combined in new practices, which include immersive theater. Special attention is paid to the formation of a synthetic “museum-theater” language and methods of communication with the audience (visitor) in the new synthetic form. The article describes the changes in the practices of the curator in the museum, which is moving closer to the practice of the director. It is shown how theatrical artistic imagery transforms the Museum space, and dramatic techniques and actors participation not only bring entertainment, but also expand the cognitive and educational capabilities of the Museum. It is concluded that the important impetus for the development of this synthetic form is the preservation of intangible cultural heritage, which contributes to the development of new museum-theater forms in small cities of Russia.