Russian theatrical society
Russian theatrical society or RTO (Russian: Русское театральное общество (РТО)) - the theatrical society, which was formed in Russian Empire and worked durint Bolshevik Russia and Soviet Union periods. It was a Trade Union of the stage workers until 1919, when was formed the Trade Union of Art Workers (RABIS). RTO was renamed the all-Russian theatrical society or VTO (Russian: Всероссийское театральное общество (ВТО)) in 1933.
History
Russian Empire period
On the 13 of October, 1883, "The society for the needy stage workers benefit" was organized due to initiative of the famous actress Maria Gavrilovna Savina. Among the founders of the society, which engaged in philanthropic works, were artists Vladimir Nikolayevich Davydov, Nikolai Fyodorovich Sazonov, the writer Dmitry Vasilyevich Grigorovich, the historian A. A. Krayevsky, and others.[1][2]
In 1894 the Society was reorganized and became known as the Russian theatrical society or RTO. RTO had prepared public opinion to the need for the First Congress of the Stage Workers, which was held in March 1897. It discussed the problems of the repertoire, the creation of permanent troupes, the training and education of scenic directors, situation in theatrical schools, protection of theatres to avoid the tyranny of censorship.[1]
By 1915, the local departments of the Imperial Russian Theatrical Society already existed in Astrakhan, Voronezh, Kaluga, Tambov, Irkutsk, Samara and other cities of Russian Imperia.[1]
The Russian Theatrical Society good enough copes with professional, legal and social protection of its members. Its money means were formed by the membership fees, banking operations incomes, donations and revenues from the incomes of the theatres.[1]
The Russian Provisional Government (Interim Government) revised the status of the RTO in 1917: in addition to the public functions RTO was entrusted with state functions.[1]
Bolshevik Russia and Soviet Union periods
In 1919, Anatoly Lunacharsky approved the "Regulation about the Russian theatrical society", according to which a significant portion of its rights departed to the State including registration of contracts and control over their observance.[1]
In connection with the establishment of the Trade Union of Art Workers (RABIS) in 1919, Trade union functions were taken away from the RTO.[1]
The formation of the RTO network of operational formations and workshops, which will be a material and financial basis of activities of the organization, was carried out in 1920-s. New Statute was adopted on the 10 of February, 1933, under which the society was renamed the all-Russian theatrical society. Its Chairman was Aleksandra Aleksandrovna Yablochkina from 1915, then from 1964 to 1986 it was headed by Mickail Ivanovich Tsaryov. The VTO Statute was changed repeatedly, but the essence of the activities of the society remained the same: to provide creative, consultative and methodological assistance, social activities.[1]
In 1986, the VTO was transformed into the Union of Theatre Workers of the Russian Federation ot STD of RSFSR (Russian: Союз Театральныз деятелей России (СТД России)). The STD joined theatrical workers of the Russian Federation and had purpose: full support to the development of theatrical art, the rendering of practical assistance to the Russian theatres and theatrical schools, all-round development of Russian and international theatrical ties.[1]