Abstract. The article discusses current issues related to the interpretation of history and the latest historical concepts that have influenced the formation of the modern «theater of history.» In this case, «modern theater» refers to theatrical practice from the period of the 90s of the XX century to the present - the twenties of the XXI century. The topic itself is quite new and has no generalizing scientific reflections in theater studies and historical cultural studies. The «theater of history» or «theater of the past» here refers to that body of performances in which «history is remembered» and at the same time presented «here and now.» It is represented in symbols and historical details, or, in other words, translated into the theatrical space using a specific stage language. Turning to the historical and aesthetic concepts of the performances «Mud. Muhajirs» by M.Galyau (Tatar State Academic Theater named after G.Kamal, Kazan) and the play «Lost» at the Vologda Architectural and Ethnographic Museum Semenkovo, the author shows an essential connection between aesthetics and memory of the past.

Key words: theater of history, memory, modern theater, Tatar State Academic Theater named after G.Kamal, Vologda Architectural and Ethnographic Museum Semenkovo.