Admission by ticket.
Comedy with one interval based on the Vsevolod Meyerhold’s and M. Korenev’s stage version of “The Government Inspector” (Meyerhold Theatre, 1926)
Directed by Valery Fokin
Demonstration of Valery Fokin’s performances, creatively mastering and reinterpreting classical theatrical texts by Vs. Meyerhold, in the Alexandrinsky Theatre gives an opportunity to initiate a lively discussion of the topics stated in the scientific and practical symposium. Background of St. Petersburg modern stage allows to visualize the way the creative heritage of the domestic theatre is actively interacting with the search for a new theatrical figurativeness.
The performance is the winner of the State Prize of the Russian Federation, the National Theatre Award “GOLDEN MASK” and the Highest Theatre Award of St. Petersburg “GOLDEN SOFIT”
Valery Fokin, who is justly considered to be one of the best connoisseurs of the works created by N. Gogol, refers to “The Government Inspector” for the third time. However, his “Alexandrinsky” project is special. The immortal comedy by Gogol was presented on this stage for the first time on April 19, 1836 while Gogol himself took active part in preparation of that legendary performance. The current performance is the 10th version of “The Government Inspector” in the Alexandrinsky Theatre. Here, three archetypes naturally gain power. Firstly, figures of the long-time historical premiere; secondly, reminiscences from the brilliant performance by Vsevolod Meyerhold staged in the Meyerhold State Theatre (GOSTIM) in 1926 and, of course, images of St. Petersburg – not only from the past, of Gogol’s period, but also today’s city showing us both its grandeur and sarcastic grimaces. Generation of nonsense from the everyday life spirit is a trick watching for those many people who fancy that the vice and impunity can run the world. In this respect, the ingenious comedy by N. Gogol may be perceived as a “state” play.
Duration: 2 h 30 min with one intermission.