Mayakovka celebrated its 100th anniversary with “Stories”

For its centenary, the Moscow Academic Theater named after Vl. Mayakovsky prepared the play-anthology “History” staged by artistic director Yegor Peregudov, scenography and costumes by Vladimir Arefiev.

For the production, the authors chose stories from classical literature – those that were played in the past, and those that the actors dreamed of performing. Ivan Bunin (“Sunstroke”), Anton Chekhov (“Swan Song (Kalkhas)”, “Drama”), Vasily Shukshin (“Splinter”), Nikolai Nekrasov (“Russian Women”), John Marrell (“Laughter of Lobsters”) , Arkady Averchenko (“Key”).

The performers are popular and beloved actors of the theater: Svetlana Nemolyaeva, Igor Kostolevsky, Anatoly Lobotsky, Olga Prokofieva, Anna Ardova, Viktor Zaporozhsky, Igor Marychev, Daria Poverennova, Sergey Rubeko, Lyubov Rudenko, Alexander Andrienko, Evgeny Paramonov, Dmitry Prokofiev, Ivan Sapphirov, Alina Vakaeva.

The scenography of the performance is truly magnificent. The centuries-old path of the theater, the connection of times are marked by hundreds of stage costumes that have survived after 350 performances shown throughout the history of the theater. They hang on hangers at different levels, move like decorations, accompanying the action. The costume designers of the theater specified: there are about seven hundred costumes on the stage! Frock coats and dresses, tailcoats and long skirts, overalls and tuxedos… A stunning, mesmerizing sight and a spectacular find by the People’s Artist of Russia Vladimir Arefiev. Yes, and the poster has a certain philosophical message – against the backdrop of the red curtain of Mayakovka, the name of the play “History” is represented by three lines “AND HISTORIES”. As a reminder of the theatre’s centenary. Which began as a theater of the Revolution, headed by Vsevolod Meyerhold, then was renamed the Moscow Drama Theater and since 1954 began to bear its current name.

Seven short stories of different genres make up two acts. The first one is opened by the People’s Artist of the RSFSR Svetlana Nemolyaeva (“Laughter of the Lobster”), the final story is superbly and heartfelt by the People’s Artist of Russia Igor Kostolevsky (“Sunstroke”). Also very interesting is the humorous plot “Key” based on Arkady Averchenko, performed by Honored Artists of Russia Viktor Zaporozhsky and Daria Poverennova. The actress plays so cheerfully, easily, reliably that there is incessant laughter in the hall.

Authoritative persons came to celebrate the centenary of Mayakovka, among the spectators Mikhail Shvydkoy, Konstantin Raikin, People’s Artist of the Russian Federation Yevgeny Redko and other celebrities were noticed. The audience was happy and grateful. It is pleasant to note that the sounds of mobile phones were not heard this time. But, alas, they were replaced by the beeping of a digital clock, here and there announcing the fast-flowing time. Apparently, the warnings of the administration before the start of the performances will soon be edited …

The artistic director of the theater Egor Peregudov said that the multi-genre production included both the golden fund of Russian humor and a touching story, a fragment from the play in which Svetlana Nemolyaeva played with Alexander Lazarev. And the short story “Drama” refers to the famous film with Faina Ranevskaya, who served here. “It seems to me that when such a connection is built – indirect, not obvious, this is the centennial anniversary. Not summing up, but realizing yourself as a continuation of the history of this place.

Galina SNOPOVA.

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