The fairy tale The Golden cockerel in Elaine Pogayne’s adaptation and William Pogayne’s illustrations (1938) as an echo of Russian seasons
Abstract
The 1938 American edition of The Golden Cockerel is not a translation of A. S. Pushkin’s fairy tale, as stated on the title page, but the result of W. Pogainey’s personal involvement in productions of the opera-ballet and opera The Golden Cockerel based on A. Belsky’s libretto and set to music by N. A. RimskyKorsakov. An American artist of Hungarian descent, W. Pogainey designed Adolph Bolm’s production at the Metropolitan Opera in 1918, and then the 1937 production at the same theater. The combination of color and black-and-white illustrations in the book reflects the capabilities of both theater and film designers, as W. Pogainey envisioned it at the time. The color illustrations reflect the stage presentation of the plot (though not directly reflecting the actual set design), while the black-and-white illustrations reflect the cinematic presentation.
About the Author
L. V. Nikiforova
Vaganova Ballet Academy
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Nikiforova l. V. – Doctor Habilitatus (Arts), Professor, Professor of the Department of Philosophy, History and Theory of Arts
2, Zodchego Rossi St., St. Petersburg, 191023
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Review
For citations:
Nikiforova L.V. The fairy tale The Golden cockerel in Elaine Pogayne’s adaptation and William Pogayne’s illustrations (1938) as an echo of Russian seasons. Bulletin of Vaganova Ballet Academy. 2026;(2):75-94. (In Russ.)
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