MONO-OPERA: GENRE SPECIFICITY AND FUNCTIONING IN THE CONTEXT OF CONTEMPORARY PERFORMANCE AND PEDAGOGICAL PRACTICE

Abstract

The article explores the mono-opera as a distinctive genre of contemporary music theatre with considerable potential in both performance and pedagogy. The aim of the study is to identify the genre-specific features of the mono-opera and to analyze how it functions in today’s performing and educational practices. The research methodology is based on genre- typological analysis, observation of current performance trends, and a comparative examination of pedagogical strategies. Mono-opera is characterized by a high concentration of musical and dramatic content embodied in a single performer.This format integrates vocal expression, acting skills, and internal monologue, forming a complex stage image. The instrumental accompaniment plays a crucial role as a dramatic counterpart, often representing the subconsciousor internal conflict of the protagonist. The form is notable for its compositional flexibility and openness to experimentation.The text highlights the growing use of mono-opera in contemporary theatrical and musical contexts. Its adaptability to solo projects, chamber venues, and unconventional performance spaces has contributed to its popularity in independent and experimental productions. The genre requires the performer to master vocal technique, dramatic thinking, and physical expressiveness in stage presence and movement.From an educational perspective, the mono-opera serves as a valuable tool for cultivating complex musical and theatrical thinking. It fosters interpretive freedom, stage autonomy, and the integration of singing, acting, and movement. The study outlines the genre’s application in coursework, graduation projects, and individual productions, and summarizes key methodological approaches for working with this format in higher arts education.In conclusion, mono-opera is presented not only as a legacy of modernist aesthetics, but also as a dynamic and relevantform of contemporary music theatre. Its genre structure offers unique opportunities for both performers and educators,encouraging further research into Ukrainian repertoire and stage interpretations.