Moscow`s venerable Pushkin Theatre embarks on its 75th anniversary season with an ambitious lineup that promises both groundbreaking innovation and heartfelt homage to its storied past.
Following a summer hiatus filled with well-deserved rest and successful tours, the Pushkin Theatre recently gathered its esteemed troupe, buzzing with anticipation. As is tradition, the occasion was marked by a vibrant photo session, warm embraces, and shared anecdotes from their recent travels. However, the true highlight arrived with Artistic Director Evgeny Pisarev`s address, unveiling a meticulously crafted season that surprisingly features a recurring motif: the number three. Three major novel adaptations, three critical premieres, and a poignant remembrance of three influential figures, all named Yuri, who have shaped the theatre`s journey.
A Main Stage of Grand Visions and Delayed Triumphs
Pisarev began by celebrating the enduring legacy of beloved actress Vera Alentova, who marks an astonishing 60 years of dedicated service to the theatre. The applause was, as one might expect, thunderous. He then proceeded to lay out the main stage’s ambitious plans, headlined by the long-awaited premiere of Shakespeare’s “The Tempest,” a production that promises to integrate elements of artificial intelligence under the direction of Nikolai Roshchin.
“The play is enigmatic, peculiar. Perhaps that’s why we’ve experienced several false starts, and the entire process has been rather intricate,” confessed Pisarev regarding the production`s delayed unveiling. “Nevertheless, it represents a novel and intriguing experiment – engaging with a director new to our stage, delving into his distinct world, and endeavoring to articulate a narrative in a language we are just beginning to master.”
The theatre`s 75th anniversary will be commemorated with a special production, “And There Will Be Theatre!…” jointly directed by Pisarev and Alexander Dmitriev. This celebratory piece, intended to feature every member of the troupe, is envisioned as a collective narrative of the Pushkin Theatre’s rich history and vibrant community.
Adding a touch of nostalgic charm, the main stage will also see the return of a beloved “vintage” production: a remake of “The Scarlet Flower.” This classic, which graced the stage since December 31, 1950, was temporarily paused last year for necessary rejuvenation. Audiences can look forward to its refreshed return in December.
Literary Giants Take the Spotlight
The season’s commitment to literary heritage is evident in its second trio of major premieres, all adaptations of renowned Russian novels:
- Fyodor Dostoevsky’s “The Idiot,” directed by Sergey Tonyshev, promises a deep dive into the complexities of human nature.
- Ivan Goncharov’s “Oblomov,” under the direction of Murat Abulkatilov, is currently in development and slated for the 77th season, indicating a long-term commitment to significant literary works.
- And, fittingly for a theatre bearing his name, Alexander Pushkin’s “The Captain’s Daughter” will finally grace the stage, directed by Oleg Dolin. Pisarev noted, “To finally have Pushkin on our stage, in our anniversary season no less, is entirely logical.” One might even say it`s about time.
Innovation at the Branch: Three Diverse Narratives
The theatre`s commitment to diverse and contemporary work extends to its Branch stage, presenting a third set of intriguing premieres:
- In late November, director Nikita Pirozhkov will present “Macbeth. Cabaret,” a fresh and perhaps irreverent take on Shakespeare’s dark tragedy.
- February will see the premiere of “The Dresser,” directed by Sergey Shchedrin, a play that typically explores the intricate relationship between an aging actor and his devoted assistant.
- Spring will bring “The Protagonist,” an adaptation of Asya Volodina’s novel, staged by Denis Paramonov, promising a contemporary narrative.
Honoring the Pillars of Theatrical Legacy
Beyond the new productions, the anniversary year is also dedicated to remembering and celebrating the individuals who shaped the Pushkin Theatre. By year-end, a monument is expected to be unveiled in honor of Alexander Tairov, the founder of the Kamerny Theatre (the Pushkin Theatre’s predecessor), and his wife, the legendary actress Alisa Koonen. While initial hopes placed the unveiling in late spring or early summer, the project has now been rescheduled for the end of the year.
Pisarev also took a moment to reflect on those without whom the theatre enters this new season – another poignant trio of directors, all named Yuri: Yuri Eremin, a former head of the Pushkin Theatre; Yuri Moroz, a cherished friend of the theatre and husband to actress Victoria Isakova; and Yuri Butusov, a towering figure in contemporary theatre. The theatre recently hosted a farewell for Butusov in its very walls, an act that many perceived as remarkably courageous.
Responding to inquiries about this decision, Pisarev, with a characteristic blend of humility and conviction, stated, “Everyone has been telling me lately that this is a difficult step, an incredible act, but it is quite natural to bid farewell to a person who has done so much for our and for world theatre in general. He is a great director. The Department of Culture also supported us; we didn’t have to beg anyone for long. This is normal human gratitude and an opportunity to say goodbye to an outstanding director who changed the theatrical universe.”
The Pushkin Theatre`s 75th season promises to be a journey of artistic exploration, balancing the revered classics with innovative new works, all while deeply honoring the individuals and traditions that have forged its identity. It’s a season not just for Moscow, but for anyone who believes in the enduring power and evolving spirit of theatre.
