Zainiev's drama: characteristics of poetics and genre

Background. At the turn of the XXth–XXIst centuries, Tatar drama entered a phase of active genre renewal. The plays of Ilgiz Zainiev constitute a significant segment of contemporary Tatar drama; however, a systematic scholarly analysis of his works remains an unmet need in the field. The core research problem lies in the necessity to conceptualize his genre innovation within the broader context of the development of national drama. This article contributes to the study of genre modifications in modern Tatar drama and may prove valuable for research in theater studies and literary criticism. The purpose of this work is to identify the genre distinctiveness of I. Zainiev's drama. The research objectives are as follows: to identify the key characteristics of his dramatic works; to analyze the genre‑specific features of his drama; and to examine how, through domestic plots and innovative forms, the playwright addresses issues of national identity and humankind's spiritual quest. Materials and methods. Structural‑semantic and genre‑typological methods are used to systematically study I. Zainiev's plays. Results. The key aspect determining the scientific novelty of the proposed analysis is the phenomenon of the author's genre creation. The playwright consistently constructs hybrid genre models — the “sad comedy,” the psychological drama with elements of parable, and the synthetic comedy integrating media formats — which requires their systematic description and typology. This synthesis is not mechanical, but rather creates organic artistic unities, where the comic element does not negate but, on the contrary, enhances the dramatic depth, and the everyday plot acquires a philosophical resonance. The author focuses on the inner world of the “little man” facing the challenges of the times, whether the problem of preserving cultural identity, a generational divide, or a crisis in personal relationships. A favorite artistic device is play, through the prism of which grotesque images of reality are created, revealing its absurdity and contradictions.