Moscow’s iconic Lenkom Theatre has officially embarked on its 99th season, a milestone marked not just by new premieres but by a significant, albeit delicately handled, institutional merger. Far from a dry, bureaucratic integration, the opening gathering revealed a vibrant, even playful, commitment to artistic synergy and the theatre’s enduring legacy.
The Unconventional Overture to a New Season
The air outside Lenkom on this particular Friday was buzzing with the usual pre-season anticipation. Photographers and television crews jostled for position, microphones poised, ready to capture the arrival of the theatre’s luminaries: Anna Yakunina, Sasha Zakharova, Dmitry Pevtsov, and the venerable Alexandra Zbrueva. When asked about approaching the new season with “new strength,” Zbrueva, with his characteristic sharp wit and seemingly ageless charm, retorted, “What strength, my dear? I’m 87!” A subtle reminder that while time marches on, the spirit of artistry often defies it, much like a certain knighted musician across the pond.
Inside, the main hall, traditionally packed for these gatherings, welcomed not only Lenkom`s troupe and staff but also members of the Center for Dramaturgy and Directing (CDR) – a relatively youthful 28-year-old institution now slated to merge with the nearly centenarian Lenkom. This proposed union, announced by Moscow’s Department of Culture months prior, had simmered for nine months, leading to hopeful whispers of a “theatrical baby” about to be born.
A Merger, Not a Takeover: Vladimir Pankov`s Vision
In the past, such administrative consolidations in Moscow`s cultural landscape have often been met with skepticism, frequently resulting in more friction than creative flourishing. However, Lenkom`s artistic director, Vladimir Pankov, approached this challenge with a refreshing, distinctly un-bureaucratic philosophy.
Pankov, with the Moscow Department of Culture`s Alexander Fokin confirming that the legal intricacies of the merger were still being untangled, painted a vivid picture:
“You know, I’ve come up with a simple formula. There’s one village, and across the river, another. They are not one village. They can visit each other, perhaps even marry. And who knows, children might follow.”
This eloquent metaphor underscored his commitment to an organic, “love-based” integration, eschewing any notions of forced assimilation. Both theatres, he clarified, would retain their individual artistic plans, while actively encouraging collaborative projects and cross-participation among their talented ensembles.
Reviving a Legacy: “Abdulov`s Backyards” Returns
The announcement that truly resonated with applause was the revival of the famed “Abdulov`s Backyards” program. This initiative, deeply rooted in Lenkom`s history and now dedicated to the theatre’s legendary former artistic director Mark Zakharov, signifies a profound nod to tradition while embracing future innovation. It`s a reminder that true artistic evolution often involves honoring the foundations upon which a theatre is built. Coupled with new mainstage productions like “Orchestra Rehearsal” (inspired by Fellini) and “The Golden Calf” (based on Ilf and Petrov), the 99th season promises a rich tapestry of classic and contemporary narratives.
A Playful Dialogue: The “Kapustnik” Exchange
The spirit of creative collaboration was vividly demonstrated through an exchange of “kapustniki” – traditional Russian theatrical skits. CDR`s ensemble took the stage with a heartwarming parody of the popular TV show “Wait for Me,” portraying themselves as endearing “poor relatives” from the provinces, arriving at their new, opulent Lenkom “homestead” laden with homemade preserves. Trumpeters and a vibrant drummer underscored their joyful, slightly unpolished, exuberance, proving that their “blood types,” as Pankov put it, indeed seemed to match.
Lenkom responded with its own brand of sophisticated satire: “International Sound-Drama Hot News.” Hosted by Ivan Agapov in a leather jacket, the segment featured a mock news report about CDR`s “aggressive takeover” of Lenkom, with Sergey Piotrovsky delivering a deadpan “Tucker Carlson”-esque commentary. Another report from the rehearsal of “Orchestra Rehearsal” humorously suggested that every single department, from accounting to ushers, was involved – a playful nod to Pankov`s inclusive artistic philosophy.
Looking Ahead: A “Filter” for Future Talent
Beyond the witty performances and exciting announcements, the season opening also saw the traditional presentation of the Leonov Prize and a report from theatre director Dmitry Berestov on the unsung heroes of daily theatre operations, from polished parquet floors to intricate tour negotiations.
In a final reflective moment, Artistic Director Vladimir Pankov elaborated on his ambitious vision for the merger, seeing it as a unique “filter” system for cultivating new talent:
- Students from prestigious institutions like GITIS would first engage with Lenkom`s experimental musical theatre.
- They would then transition to CDR’s innovative platform for further development.
- Finally, those who distinguished themselves would have the opportunity to prove themselves on Lenkom`s grand stage.
Pankov boldly drew parallels to the founding principles of the Moscow Art Theatre School, envisioning a vibrant ecosystem for artistic growth. While acknowledging potential economic hurdles, he expressed unwavering faith in the theatre’s seasoned leadership, stating, “We have such stalwarts that they won`t let us get bogged down. So I believe in Dmitry Yuryevich [Berestov, the director] and Mark Borisovich [Varshaver, the Honorary President] – they won’t abandon us.”
As Lenkom embarks on its 99th season, this merger with CDR represents not merely an administrative reshuffle but a bold experiment in cultural integration. Under Pankov`s imaginative guidance, it promises to be a captivating journey where tradition, innovation, and a healthy dose of theatrical humor converge to shape the future of Russian stagecraft.
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