News

Congratulations to People's Artist of Russia Vladimir Alekseevich Dubrovskiy and the Deputy Artistic Director of the Maly Theatre Boris Nikolaevich Lyubimov on being awarded the Order of Honor for the merits in the development of national culture and art, to reward many years of fruitful activity. The decree was signed by the Russian president on January 24, 2018. On behalf of the theatre’s management, we wish Vladimir Alekseevich and Boris Nikolaevich unlimited success in the future.

The main theatrical premieres of 2018

«Marriage»
The Maly Theatre

What is Nikolai Gogol’s iconic comedy, directed by Maly Theatre’s Artistic Director and loyal follower of traditions Yuri Solomin?

It is a worthwhile theatre experience you would like to share with your family. Not overlong, dynamic, with stunning set design and authentic costumes. And the theatre’s trump card is inimitable Irina Muravyova in the role of matchmaker.

Nataliya Vitvitskaya, «Your Leisure», January 2018

Dear friends,

We are pleased to share with you the video clips captured during the Winter Break events that took place in the Maly Theatre and in A.I.Sumbatov-Yuzhin's Memorial Apartment.

Dear friends,

We are pleased to invite you, your family, and your colleagues to the special screening of Denis Brodskiy's film «His Majesty the Actor. Yuri Solomin» that will be held at the Documentary Film Center (DFC) on February, 5. The film tells about the Artistic Director of the Maly Theatre, People's Artist of the USSR Yuri Solomin.

«This story unfolds amid the renovation of Ostrovsky’s House construction and vivification thus acting as a catalyst of Solomin’s personality...» (Natalia Kosyakova, «AIF»)

Details

Date/time: Monday, February 5, 2018, 19:00 (Doors open at 18:30)

Place: Documentary Film Center (DFC) (Zubovsky Bulvar, 2, p. 7).

Admission: Tickets can be purchased at the DFC’ s website

Dear guests,

On March 1 there will an additional performance of Alexander Pushkin's «The Queen of Spades» on the Main stage.

The performance shall start at 19:00. Tickets are on sale now!

Dear guests,

On January 23 (Ordynka stage) the play «Secrets of the Madrid Court» by Eugène Scribe and Ernest Leguvé will replace Ostrovsky’s «It's Not All Shrovetide for the Cat».

The tickets are valid. We apologize for any inconvenience caused.

On December 30, as part of the New Year's theatrical marathon, which was organized by the Charity Foundation for the Support of Artists «Artist», an unusual guest appeared in the Maly Theatre - a plush dachshund called Daisy. This is a truly theatrical dog that travels throughout Moscow’s theatres. In each theatre she receives a medal or badge, and autographs made by prominent theatre artists in her singular pet passport. Having received new marks of distinction, the plush guest moves to another destination.

On New Year’s Eve the dachshund was passed to Yuri Solomin by the young artists of the Gogol Center. And on January 18 the actress of the Maly Theatre Irina Leonova passed the torch to the chief director of Sphere Moscow Drama Theater Alexander Korshunov.

At the end of her journey, Daisy will find her owner at a charity auction, and the proceeds will go to the veterans of the stage.

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Dear friends,

On January 26 the Central House of the Actors named after A.A.Yablochkinaentral House of the Actors named after A.A.Yablochkina on Old Arbat street will host an evening dedicated to the remarkable Russian theatre critic - Vera Anatolyevna Maksimova. The evening shall start at 19.00. Artistic salon, 7 floor.

Organized by Chernovskaya L.S.
Admission: strictly by invitation only.

For more information about evenings in the CHA please call: 8 (499) 241-11-51 (department for working with the audience) and 8 (499) 241-17-34 (press office).

Tickets can be purchased at the box office of the Central House of Actors.

Phone for orders and inquiries - 8 (499) 241-07-40.

12:00 - 20:00 (on working days),

12:00 - 19:00 (on the weekends).

«And if anyone ever asked me where I was educated, I would have answered: at the Maly Theatre, by Ermolova and her associates»

On January 17 the theatre world celebrates 155 years since the birth of Konstantin Sergeevich Stanislavski, an actor, director and a renowned Russian-Soviet theatre practitioner, a pillar of acting history.

He was born in 1863 into a family of rich textile manufacturers. The Alekseev factories had the monopoly on manufacture of all gold and silver thread throughout the Russian Empire. As a child, Stanislavski was interested in art: circus, ballet, and puppetry. Together with his colleague Vladimir Ivanovich Nemirovich-Danchenko he co-founded the Moscow Art Theatre, where he started developing his famous «System». «Stanislavski’s System» is a systematic approach to training actors that counts 100 years, and is still one of the leading systems used around the world.

According to his contemporaries, a handsome, tall, dignified young man, Konstantin Sergeyevich produced a powerful impression whenever he appeared in society. Tatyana Lvovna Shchepkina-Kupernik wrote about him: «... wherever he comes, in whatever environment he finds himself, it is hardly ever possible to question that he is definitely «someone». One only has to guess who this outstanding person is: an artist, a poet, a statesman.»

The bond between the Maly Theatre and Stanislavski is quite curious: on the one hand, Maly Theatre’s unfailing love for individual artists, and on the other hand, the inevitable rivalry and competition of the two giants - the Moscow Art Theatre and the Maly Theatre.

It was the Maly Theatre, the home of psychological realism, where Stanislavski gained experience in aesthetics and stagecraft. As an artist, Konstantin Sergeevich appreciated the real masters of the stage, talented people, such as the outstanding artists of the Maly Theatre: Alexander Pavlovich Lensky, Alexander Alekseevich Ostuzhev, Maria Nikolaevna Ermolova.

Stanislavski wrote the following about Lensky: «I was in love with Lensky: and his languorous eyes, dreamy, big blue eyes, and his gait, and his balance of the body, and his unusually expressive and beautiful hands, and his enchanting tenor pitch of voice, exquisite pronunciation and fine understanding of the phrase, and in his versatile talents in regards to the stage, painting, sculpture, literature.»

Konstantin Sergeevich had a great admiration for Maria Nikolaevna Ermolova and her talent. In March 1894, Stanislavski played the role of Paratov in Alexander Ostrovsky’s «Without a Dowry». It instantly became such a recognized success that Stanislavski was invited to play this part as a guest star with the Maly Theatre actors, with Maria Ermolova as Larisa Ogudalova. Stanislavski considered it to be a great honor and a real lesson in acting.

In 1920, in a letter expressing congratulations on Ermolova’s 50th artistic anniversary, Konstantin Sergeevich not only praised the great actress, but also emphasized her bond with the Maly Theatre: «Maria Ermolova - a whole era of the Russian theatre, and for our generation she is a symbol of femininity, beauty, strength, pathos, sincere simplicity and modesty…You are the brightest memory of our youth. You are the idol of teenagers, the first love of young men. Who was not in love with Maria Nikolaevna and the characters she created? We are grateful for all these impulses of a young, pure passion, you have awakened! Your elevating influence cannot be overestimated. It brought up generations. And if anyone ever asked me where I was educated, I would have answered: at the Maly Theatre, by Ermolova and her associates.»

However, Stanislavski’s personal sympathies never impeded the rivalry between the Art and the Maly Theatres, these different schools and acting traditions. In 1908, in one of the letters to the actress of Alexandrinsky Theatre, Vera Kotlyarevskaya, Stanislavsky mentioned: «The Maly Theatre is being reformed as well, but in a completely different way – they lure the actors and talk up their prices. In other times, they blame us for mediocrity, and in the moments of vivification we are being lured.»

When «Talents and Admirers» was staged in the Art Theatre, Stanislavski wrote: «The main thing in Ostrovsky is a resonant and effective word. We have strongly neglected this area of acting technique. The old masters of the Maly Theatre knew how to speak well. We have largely left them behind, we managed to create a more harmonious ensemble, raised the production of the theatre, mastered creative techniques and principles, but we forgot how to speak.»

Despite this rivalry, in the 30s of the 20th century, when the Maly Theatre was in a creative block, it were the pupils of Stanislavski and Nemirovich-Danchenko - who breathed new life into it: first the directors Leonid Andreevich Volkov (from 1933 to 1942) and Alexei Denisovich Dikiy (from 1935 to 1937) and, finally, as artistic director, Ilya Yakovlevich Sudakov (from 1937 to 1944). Sudakov, who worked for many years at the Art Theatre and inherited its creative methods, managed to combine the merits of these two great theatres for the benefit of the Maly.

Today, January 15, marks the 95th anniversary of the birth of People's Artist of the USSR Evgeniy Yakovlevich Vesnik (1923 - 2009).

Evgeniy Vesnik was born in 1923 in Petrograd. Then his family moved to Krivoy Rog, where his father was appointed as the first director of the Krivoy Rog Combine. In 1937 his father was arrested and executed, and Evgeniy was sent to an orphanage for children of «enemies of the people». Together with other children he was taken by the truck, but managed to escape on the way. The boy reached Kursk railway station on the tram and took a train to Kharkov. Evgeniy came to Ivoni, a lawyer who worked with his father at the plant. When Ivoni heard the boy’s story, he immediately called Zinaida Gavrilovna, Ordzhonikidze’s wife and she told him that Evgeniy had to seek Kalinin’s protection.

Evgeniy Vesnik recalled: «I passed everyone, who was waiting there for their turn. Kalinin knew me since I was a little boy, because my father was a plumber at the factory in St. Petersburg, were Mikhail Ivanovich was a head of the workshop. He told me: «Take the money. Now you will be taken to the apartment where you lived. I gave a command that you, being underage, will be registered there permanently.» The apartment had already been occupied, except for the twelve-meter room, where I settled.»

Evgeniy was left by himself and lived on the means from selling his parents' clothes, a library. From the age of fifteen he worked as a hodman in the workshop, where the integrity of gas masks was checked.

During the Great Patriotic War, Vesnik went to the front. «We all went to fight for the ultimate goal. I forgot my griefs. I fought for my homeland and for the cherished memory of my parents»-remembered Evgeniy Yakovlevich.

After the war, Vesnik entered the Mikhail Shchepkin Higher Theatre School, which he graduated in 1948. In the same year he got a job at the Stanislavsky Drama Theatre. Since 1954, Vesnik has been an actor in the Satire Theatre, and since 1963 - the Maly Theatre.

«I joined the Maly Theatre at the time, when Prov Mikhailovich Sadovskiy, Ryzhov, Turchaninov played there. I am proud of the fact that Elena Nikolaevna Gogoleva was my partner in her last play «Mamouret». When the «great old masters» left, my affection to this theatre withered as well», said Evgeniy Yakovlevich. In 1992 he left the Maly Theatre.

In 1990 Vesnik directed the play about the fate of his parents, «The Purge» (V.Kozak's play) on the stage of the Krivoy Rog Drama and Musical Theatre named after T.Shevchenko.

Vesnik began his film career in 1955, when he played Rodrigo («Othello»). During the 60s and 70s, he appeared in a number of iconic movies: Old Man Khottabych (1956), Seven Old Men and One Girl (1968), Taymyr is Calling for You (1970), The Officers (1971), The Bat (1979).

Vesnik is an amazing actor, master of impersonation. In 1979, Evgeniy Vesnik landed the role of a math teacher in «The Adventures of the Electronic», a Soviet children's science fiction TV miniseries, directed by Konstantin Bromberg. The image of an amiable and funny man that he created was much loved by the viewers and Evgeniy even received a letter from one of the students asking him to become their math teacher.

In the 90s Vesnik starred in the comedy «Shirley-Myrli» and the adaptation of Bulgakov's novel «Master and Margarita», which was never released.

Evgeniy Yakovlevich published more than a dozen books, including: «Abracadabra» and «Heart Talks With a Snowman.»

Evgeniy Yakovlevich Vesnik died on April 10, 2009 in Moscow.

The Maly Theatre is preparing an evening dedicated to the memory of the artist. And today we would like to share with you a production of Gogol’s «The Government Inspector», which was staged at the Maly Theatre in 1982 by Evgeniy Vesnik and Yuri Solomin. People's Artist of the USSR EVGENIY VESNIK plays the role of the Governor.

Dear friends,

Winter break is almost over, feasts and festival days have replaced one another and now we have a great chance to talk about everything that has happened. And, as usual, to share with you our photos and videos – we will keep you posted!

This year the Maly Theatre, in addition to the big New Year celebrations for children, prepared a chamber music performances that took place in A.I.Sumbatov-Yuzhin's Memorial Apartment. A cozy mansion located in the Great Palashevsky Lane hosted young spectators for the first time. Elena Rakitina’s fairy tale «The Adventures of the New Year’s Toys» was presented in the living room of Yuzhin's house museum by the actors of the Maly Theatre Irina Leonova and Konstantin Yudaev and musicians Elena Moyseenko and Anton Moyseenko.

Young spectators were surprised to hear the voices of the toys coming from a capacious wooden box, who vividly discussed the upcoming event. Today, Pavlik and his parents have to dress the New Year Tree... Filled with classic melodies by Poulenc, Gershwin, Tchaikovsky, the story of every toy - sad or full of laughter - has acquired its magic sound.And nobody has left without a memorable present – a big and beautiful, «red Christmas bauble with a white snowflake on the side», and toys - a snowman, a fairy, a piglet, a plasticine donkey, Dr. Aybolit, and even an icicle found their place on a New Year tree.

Photos by Evgeniy Lyulyukin

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Dear friends,

We continue our story about the winter holiday activities and events. One of the major events during this year’s New Year’s celebrations was a showing of scenes from Ostrovsky’s comedy «Poverty is No Crime» in the open air within the framework of «Journey into Christmas» festival and a wonderful Christmas evening with the same performance on January 7.

Christmas journey of «Poverty is No Crime» started on December 31 and finished on January 2. As you remember, the action of Alexander Ostrovsky's comedy unfolds during Russian svyatki (Christmastide). Ostrovsky reproduces the merry atmosphere of the old Russian folk carnival, svyatki with its old songs, fortune telling, jokes, frosty windows, laughter, bears with tambourines, balalaika strumming – all the childhood memories of the playwright. I n the house of the merchant Gordey Tortsov, all this is banned: the owner does not accept common folk games, considering them unsuitable for his status, and forbids this kind of Christmas cheer. His daughter, however, doesn't want to abide to his rules and miss all the fun. A fragment of the Maly Theatre's production - a dashing mob of masked men pouring into the house of the arrogant merchant, forgetting the prohibitions, dancing and singing, will be shown on Tverskaya Street, «Stone Flower» venue (Tverskaya street, houses 15-17). Photos by Evgeniy Lyulyukin.

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And on January 7, an incredible action unfolded in the foyer of the Maly Theatre on Bolshaya Ordynka street, before and during the intermission of «Poverty is No Crime». Even those, spoilt by excessive New Years celebration had something extraordinary to see and to take part in.

The Maly Theatre invited Russian folk artists and craftsmen who preserved traditions of hand carved and painted wooden and fabric dolls, and weaving. The audience under the guidance of artists could try their hand at painting house utensils, spinning and weaving.The foyer of the second floor gathered the largest number of spectators, because it was turned into a real puppet theatre. Photos by Nikolay Antipov.

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Elena Rakitina’s fairy tale «The Adventures of the New Year’s Toys» was staged at one of Maly Theatre’s venues - A.I.Sumbatov-Yuzhin's Memorial Apartment. The production team included actors of the Maly Theatre and their friends-musicians. The production immediately became very popular among the audience and thus it was necessary to appoint an additional show - on the eve of the Old New Year. Coverage by Anastasia Egorova.

The Toys for the winter fairy tale were crafted by the actors themselves, who are, in addition to that, directors of this magical adventure. They received the blessing from the author of the fairy tale, Elena Rakitina.

«She told me that the glass icicle, one of the characters, is, in fact, an old Soviet glass icicle that we found in the flea market. She is very timid. And even if she demands something, she demands it delicately and politely», said the actor, the author of the idea, Konstantin Yudaev.

In the story about Christmas toys that rush to decorate the Christmas tree, each character has a story to tell, hear-melting or cautionary. Every character is accompanied by a particular melody, performed by Moscow Conservatory alumni, winners of international competitions.

«We use elements of jazz, we play pieces from George Gershwin's «Rhapsody in Blue», a composition with the most famous clarinet riff in music
history», said clarinettist Anton Moyseenko.

The fairy tale is staged in a cosy home environment, in A.I.Sumbatov-Yuzhin's Memorial Apartment, who was the director of the Maly Theatre at the beginning of the 20th century. The living room and other rooms of the house have turned into theatre stages more than once. However, young spectators are here for the very first time.

«From the very beginning, we wanted this apartment not only to serve as a memory, a history, about the Maly Theatre, the life of Alexander Ivanovich. But we wanted it to live a lively life, because theatre is always life, it is always contemporary», reflects Head of A.I.Sumbatov-Yuzhin's Memorial Apartment - Vera Tarasova.

The creators of the play were looking for a cheerful and kind fairy tale in which no one loses and nothing is lost. All fairy-tale adventures end well. But just to be safe, there Doctor Aybolit is always on guard, who will cure every toy, and a wise red ball that will always give useful and necessary advice.

On February 8 (Thursday) Ostrovsky’s «LATE LOVE» will run on Ordynka Small Stage. The performance shall start on 18:30 p.m. Tickets are on sale now!

On December 31 Vladislav Tiron first appeared on stage as Kai in «The Snow Queen» by Evgeny Schwartz (based on the story by Hans Christian Andersen). Congratulations to Vladislav! We wish him every success in his future endeavours!

On December 31 Evgeniy Sorokin first appeared on stage as the Storyteller in «The Snow Queen» by Evgeny Schwartz (based on the story by Hans Christian Andersen). Congratulations to Evgeniy! We sincerely wish him further artistic achievements!

During winter break kids are the theatres’ main audience. In the Maly Theater they are invited to a special celebration called «Cinderella's Faithful Friends». Special coverage by «Russia – Culture» TV channel.

Before the show begins, the characters of the fairy tale will turn little spectators into funny forest animals - best friends of the main character. Every kid will receive a mask, and the theatre make-up artists will complete the image with face-art. Friends will help Cinderella accomplish the tasks given by her evil stepmother: they will be able to sort out the beans, plant roses, grind coffee and "know thyself". And during the intermission they will be able to get ready for the royal ball, will learn to dance, learn table manners from the King himself and get acquainted with the ceremonial of the court.

Dear friends,

During upcoming New Year and Christmas holidays the Maly Theatre will traditionally throw kids’ holiday parties that will involve a lot of singing, dancing, learning and making new friends.

On December 29, and January 3, 4, 5, 6, in addition to regular shows for children – «Cinderella» and «The Snow Queen» we have prepared a special program for our youngest guests that will include games and entertainment, workshops, competitions and art classes and that will be held in the foyer of the theatre before the show and during the intermission.

Your child will love spending some quality time with their favourite fairytale characters and they will be talking about this for months to come!

Come and make your holiday a magical and memorable one.

«Cinderella’s Faithful Friends» - Main stage, Friday December 29, Wednesday, January 3 and Thursday January, 4

«Winter Ball with the Snow Queen» - Ordynka stage, Friday, January 5 and Saturday, January 6

We are looking forward to seeing you all at the Maly Theatre!

On December 28 Igor Grigoriev first appeared on stage as Vral'man (The Liar) in Denis Fonvizin’s comedy «The Minor». Congratulations to Igor!

Dear friends,

December 24 was marked by the release of the highly-anticipated premiere of Nikolai Gogol's «Marriage» staged by the Artistic Director of the theatre, People's Artist of the USSR Yuri Mefodievich Solomin! Congratulations to the entire company, the production team and everyone who was involved in this production on a smashing Opening Night success!

Photos are Evgeniy Lyulyukin

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