A well-known director who collaborated with the Moscow Art Theater explained his departure to Alexandrinka

“Giselle Botanical” – my last performance in Moscow”

On the Small Stage of the Moscow Art Theater named after A.P. Chekhov – the premiere of the play “Giselle Botanical” directed by Nikita Kobelev, the final of the 125th anniversary season.

Nikita Kobelev is a three-time winner of the theatrical prize of the Moskovsky Komsomolets newspaper for the performances Love of People, Berdichev, and The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat. He studied the profession of a journalist at Kazan University, and then entered the directing department of GITIS, worked on the radio and at the Theater. Vl. Mayakovsky, staged in various theaters and most recently was appointed chief director of the Alexandrinsky Theater. Now the Moscow audience will not see new performances by Nikita Kobelev for a long time. He leaves Moscow. He spoke about what lies ahead for him after the final run at the Moscow Art Theater. Chekhov.

– I am leaving for St. Petersburg, as I have been appointed chief director of the Alexandrinsky Theater. I am often asked if I will stage anything else in Moscow? So far I can say this: “Giselle Botanical” is my last performance in Moscow. There will be no performances next season. Only in Petersburg. But I can’t give you more details yet. Everything has just happened, and it would be premature to talk about it.

Today is a time when talking about something real is important. Eduard Stepanovich Kochergin, based on whose works the play “Giselle Botanical” was staged, is a real author, a man of legend. We live in a time of fakes, in a reality in which it is not clear where is the truth and where is the lie. Values ​​are changing, and it is important to tell people about something human, mercy, caring for others, a sense of comradeship, maintaining dignity in spite of everything. It seems to me important to recall the universal values ​​in order to understand who we are. This material contains answers and questions about the existence in the turbulence zone in which we are.

The main characters of the play are prostitutes. It was important for me to understand the perception of this profession, to destroy some stereotypes in the minds of the audience. The heroines are changing before our eyes, and this is an important path for them, and the undercurrent of the play. I thought about how they would be perceived. We will not change our lives, but if we can do something good for another person, then this is valuable. There is always someone in need of our help. It is important to see, hear, help.

And the troupe at the Moscow Art Theater is wonderful. There are not only stars, but also many other artists. It is wonderful that they also have the opportunity to realize themselves, to feel part of the team. I see from the inside how the Moscow Art Theater lives. Everyone loves and supports each other, regardless of status.