The Pyotr Fomenko Workshop: A Grand 33rd Season Unfolds with Literary Icons and Artistic Innovation in Moscow

Moscow’s renowned Pyotr Fomenko Workshop Theatre is once again proving its reputation for ambitious programming with the launch of its 33rd theatrical season. Breaking from convention, the season commenced quietly in early September, quickly ushering in a series of premieres that promise to captivate and challenge audiences through a blend of timeless classics and compelling new narratives.

An Early Curtain Call and a Contemporary Premiere

While many theatrical institutions observe a traditional “troupe gathering” before the official season`s commencement, the Fomenko Workshop was already in full swing by September 7th. The 33rd season discreetly opened with a children`s production, “Alice Through the Looking Glass,” setting a whimsical tone. However, the true harbinger of the season`s intellectual depth arrived swiftly on September 18th with the premiere of “4 Days in 25 Frames.” This unique piece, meticulously penned by playwright Olya Mukhina specifically for the Fomenko Workshop, was brought to life under the nuanced direction of the theater`s artistic director, Evgeny Kamenkovich. Its exclusive nature underscores the theater`s commitment not only to preserving legacy but also to fostering new, relevant works within its esteemed repertoire.

A Symphony of Literary Giants

The upcoming months are poised to be a veritable feast for literary enthusiasts, as the Pyotr Fomenko Workshop prepares to stage adaptations of some of the world`s most cherished authors. This lineup reflects an audacious commitment to diverse storytelling, spanning continents and centuries, and promises a profound engagement with human experience.

Hemingway`s Enduring Struggle on the Old Stage

October marks the much-anticipated arrival of Ernest Hemingway’s “The Old Man and the Sea” on the Old Stage. Directed by Ivan Shalaev, this production promises to delve into the stark beauty and profound struggle of Santiago, the aged fisherman locked in an epic battle with nature. Adapting such a concise yet monumental work for the stage is no small feat, demanding both reverence for the source material and inventive theatricality to capture its understated power. One might wonder if the marlin will be physically represented or merely a spectral presence – a detail only October will reveal.

Chekhov, Unnamed, Yet Anticipated with Musical Grandeur

February of the new year brings what might be the season`s most intriguing proposition: a new production based on the timeless works of Anton Chekhov, directed by Polina Agureeva. Curiously, the specific title remains undisclosed, adding an air of mystery that only a master of subtle drama like Chekhov could inspire. Perhaps the dramatic reveal of the title itself will be a premiere of its own, a meta-theatrical nod to Chekhov`s profound understanding of human nature and anticipation. Adding another layer of unparalleled prestige, the renowned chamber ensemble “Soloists of Moscow,” under the baton of world-renowned conductor Yuri Bashmet, will participate. This collaboration suggests a production rich in musicality and emotional depth, likely elevating Chekhov`s poignant narratives to new auditory and sensory dimensions.

Dostoevsky and Rostand Complete the Canon

Spring promises yet another weighty adaptation with Fyodor Dostoevsky`s “The Village of Stepanchikovo and Its Inhabitants,” slated for May under the direction of Ivan Popovski. This dense psychological narrative offers ample material for the Fomenko Workshop’s signature blend of intricate character study and ensemble work, exploring the absurdities and tragedies of provincial life. As the season gracefully transitions into summer, audiences can eagerly look forward to a grand collaborative effort: Artistic Director Evgeny Kamenkovich and director Fyodor Malyshev will co-direct Edmond Rostand`s iconic “Cyrano de Bergerac.” This timeless tale of unrequited love, poetic wit, and heroic self-sacrifice demands both a grand scale and exquisite nuance, ensuring a spectacular closing to the main theatrical program.

Expanding Horizons: “Theater Consilium” and Interdisciplinary Artistic Dialogue

Beyond the proscenium arch, the Pyotr Fomenko Workshop is actively expanding its cultural footprint through dynamic exhibition activities, a growing and commendable trend in modern theatrical institutions. This October, the theater will host “Theater Consilium,” a unique exhibition curated from the private collection of Mark Kurtser, a long-standing friend and discerning patron of the Workshop. This promises to be a significant artistic event, featuring an impressive roster of celebrated artists, including original theatrical sketches by the avant-garde masters Nathan Altman and Nikolai Sapunov. Their works will be showcased alongside pieces by other bright luminaries such as Ilya Glazunov, Anatoly Zverev, Ilya Kabakov, Alexander Labas, and Valery Koshlyakov. This initiative not only enriches the visitor experience but also firmly positions the theater as a dynamic hub for interdisciplinary artistic dialogue within the vibrant cultural landscape of Moscow.

A Season of Unfolding Narratives and Enduring Art

The 33rd season at the Pyotr Fomenko Workshop is meticulously shaping up to be a profoundly curated journey through the annals of literature and contemporary thought. With a steady stream of premieres, from the deeply personal struggles of Hemingway to the expansive societal tapestries of Dostoevsky and Chekhov, complemented by innovative original works and a vibrant exhibition program, the theater continues to honor its illustrious legacy while boldly embracing the future of artistic expression in Moscow. For discerning theatergoers and cultural connoisseurs, the Fomenko Workshop unequivocally remains an essential destination, promising a season of intellectual stimulation and unforgettable performances.