Remembering the visionary Shakespearean scholar and theatrical connoisseur who found cosmic truths in the Bard’s verses.
The world of theatre scholarship recently mourned the passing of **Alexey Bartoshevich**, a name synonymous with insightful Shakespearean criticism and a profound understanding of performance. Known affectionately by his students and colleagues as “Bart,” he departed on October 8th, just shy of his 86th birthday on December 4th. His death leaves a significant void, but his legacy, much like the stars he often invoked, continues to illuminate the path for future generations.
A Childhood Steeped in Theatrical Grandeur
Bartoshevich`s journey into the intricate world of theatre was not merely an academic pursuit; it was woven into the very fabric of his being from childhood. As the grandson of the legendary Moscow Art Theatre actor, Vasily Kachalov, his early years were spent in a home whose windows overlooked the theatre`s bustling courtyard. This wasn`t just any courtyard; it was a living repository of theatrical history, filled with set pieces and the echoes of rehearsals.
He recounted vivid memories, such as the daily ritual of listening from his balcony as the military orchestra, engaged in Chekhov’s “Three Sisters,” would play its marching tunes in the courtyard. For young Alexey, this wasn`t just background noise; it was a ceremonial induction into the rhythmic soul of the theatre. His mother, a former actress turned prompter at the same theatre, further ensured his immersion, having herself been a student of the renowned Ukrainian director Les Kurbas in Kharkiv. Even his father, Vadim Shverubovich – a man of complex history, military background, and the legendary stage manager of the Moscow Art Theatre – penned vivid memoirs that painted a rich tapestry of the theatrical world Bartoshevich would come to master.
This upbringing fostered in him a visceral, almost instinctual comprehension of theatre, a sensibility that deepened throughout his life and permeated his scholarly work.
The Grandfather`s Table and a Retouched Knee
During leaner times, his illustrious grandfather, Vasily Kachalov, would invite young Alexey for meals at his elegant home in Bryusov Lane. These were not just meals; they were meticulously arranged feasts, a rare luxury in those difficult years, ensuring his grandson`s well-being. Bartoshevich fondly remembered accompanying his grandfather to the theatre, witnessing firsthand the respect and admiration Kachalov commanded, as strangers would greet him along the way.
An amusing anecdote from this period involves a famous photograph capturing the elegant Kachalov in a three-piece suit alongside his small grandson. What the official portrait fails to reveal, and what photographers meticulously retouched, was a glaring hole in the knee of the boy’s stockings. A subtle reminder, perhaps, that even in the grandest of theatrical lineages, real life has a charming way of poking through the meticulously curated facade.
The Scholar Who Saw Shakespeare in the Stars
Alexey Bartoshevich possessed a rare combination of intellectual rigor and profound humanity. He was renowned for his democratic spirit, genuine benevolence, and utter lack of arrogance. His profound inner culture, self-possession, and nobility were qualities many could only aspire to emulate. His softly modulated voice was distinctive, his presence reassuring.
Yet, it was his unique pedagogical gift that truly set him apart. He had an uncanny ability to discuss Shakespeare without explicitly mentioning the Bard, a testament to his comprehensive understanding of the universal themes embedded in the plays. One cannot easily forget his lectures at GITIS (the Russian Institute of Theatre Arts) where, with captivating eloquence, he would discourse at length about the stars. And then, quite suddenly, the entire universe of Shakespeare would unfurl before the students, made profoundly clear by the celestial metaphors. It was a revelation: by broadening their gaze to the cosmos, he offered them a new lens through which to perceive the human condition within Shakespeare`s dramatic worlds.
Having once been a student at GITIS himself, he returned as a truly gifted educator. His lectures were not to be missed by aspiring actors, directors, or theatre critics. They were characterized by living discourse, intellectual breadth, and a compelling simplicity that urged his audience to look not just at their feet, but skyward – inspiring them to embrace a grander perspective in their artistic and intellectual pursuits.
An Enduring Luminary
Despite his serious illness in later years, Bartoshevich never lost his spirit. He continued to attend performances, remaining keenly interested in all things theatrical. His capacity for benevolent criticism was legendary; he could dissect even the most “monstrous” productions with surgical precision, yet somehow manage to offend no one. This unique blend of sharp intellect and gentle demeanor made him a revered figure.
Alexey Bartoshevich was, in essence, a custodian of time and knowledge, possessing insights that few others could claim. His profound influence on Russian Shakespearean studies and theatre education is immeasurable. He taught generations to seek the universal in the particular, to connect the earthly stage with the cosmic expanse. His passing marks the end of an era, but his starlit understanding of Shakespeare will undoubtedly continue to guide and inspire.
