Russian State Academic Drama Theater named after. A.S. Pushkin - the legendary Alexandrinsky Theater - is the oldest national theater in Russia. It was established by a Senate Decree signed by the daughter of Peter the Great, Empress Elizabeth, on August 30, 1756, on the day of St. Alexander Nevsky. It was this theater that became the progenitor of all Russian theaters, and the date of its foundation is the birthday of the Russian professional theater. The establishment of the theater served as the beginning of the state policy of the Russian state in the field of theatrical art. For two and a half centuries, the Russian State Drama Theater served as an attribute of Russian statehood. From the day of its foundation until 1917, it was the main imperial theater, the fate of which was occupied by the Russian emperors. In 1832, the Russian State Drama Theater received a magnificent building in the center of Nevsky Prospect in St. Petersburg, designed by the great architect Carl Rossi. This building was named the Alexandrinsky Theater (in honor of the wife of Emperor Nicholas I, Alexandra Fedorovna) and since then the name of the Alexandrinsky Theater has been inextricably linked with the world history of performing arts. The unique building complex, with a five-tier auditorium, a huge stage, palace front foyers, a majestic facade, which has become one of the emblems of the Northern capital, is one of the pearls of world architecture registered by UNESCO. The walls of the Alexandrinsky Theater preserve the memory of great figures of the Russian state, politicians, military leaders, and cultural figures. A.S. has been here. Pushkin, M.Yu. Lermontov, N.V. Gogol, I.S. Turgenev, F.M. Dostoevsky, L.N. Tolstoy, A.P. Chekhov, P.I. Tchaikovsky, A.M. Gorchakov, S.Yu. Witte, V.A. Stolypin, K.G. Mannerheim, many crowned heads of European states. It was here, at the Alexandrinsky Theater, that the premieres of almost all works of Russian dramatic classics from “Woe from Wit” by A.S. took place. Griboyedov to the plays of A.N. Ostrovsky and A.P. Chekhov. The Alexandrinsky Theater is a textbook on the history of Russian theatrical art. It was on this stage that famous Russian actors played - from V. Karatygin and A. Martynov to N. Simonov, N. Cherkasov, V. Merkuryev, I. Gorbachev, B. Freundlich. This stage was decorated with the talents of famous Russian actresses from E. Semenova, M. Savina (founder of the Union of Theater Workers of Russia), V. Komissarzhevskaya to E. Korchagina-Alexandrovskaya, E. Time, N. Urgant. Today, such artists as S. Parshin, V. Smirnov, N. Marton, G. Karelina, I. Volkov, P. Semak, S. Smirnova, S. Sytnik, M. Kuznetsova and many other outstanding experienced artists work on the stage of the Alexandrinsky Theater and young artists.
Over the years, great theater directors Vs. worked in the theater. Meyerhold, L. Vivien, G. Kozintsev, G. Tovstonogov, N. Akimov. The performances of the Alexandrinians were included in all world theater encyclopedias. Great artists A. Benois, K. Korovin, A. Golovin, N. Altman, outstanding composers A. Glazunov, D. Shostakovich, R. Shchedrin collaborated with the theater.
Since 2003, the artistic director of the theater has been a director with a European name, People's Artist of Russia, State Prize laureate Valery Fokin.
Among the great oldest national theaters of Europe - the Parisian Comedie Francaise, the Vienna Burgtheater, the London Drewry Lane, the Berlin Deutsches Theater - the Alexandrinsky Theater takes pride of place, serving as a symbol of the Russian National Theater. The theater has unique collections of scenery, costumes, furniture, theatrical props, weapons, and rich museum funds, which can be exhibited both in Russia and abroad in the most prestigious exhibition spaces. During the 2005/2006 season. The Alexandrinsky Theater carried out a general reconstruction, as a result of which the historical appearance of the building's interiors was recreated. At the same time, Alexandrinka became one of the most advanced modern stage venues in terms of engineering. The grand opening of the reconstructed Alexandrinsky Theater took place on August 30, 2006, during the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the oldest state drama theater in Russia. In the morning, Metropolitan Vladimir of St. Petersburg and Ladoga consecrated the stage and auditorium of the theater, blessing the assembled actors, directors and theater workers. In the afternoon, the Marble Palace hosted the opening of the exhibition “Theater of Illustrious Masters,” dedicated to the 250th anniversary of the Russian theater. The opening of the renovated Alexandrinsky stage was the culmination of the anniversary celebrations. Among the guests were Metropolitan of St. Petersburg and Ladoga Vladimir, Governor of St. Petersburg Valentina Matvienko, Plenipotentiary Representative of the President of the Russian Federation for the North-Western District Ilya Klebanov, Head of the Federal Agency for Culture and Cinematography Mikhail Shvydkoy.
The celebration of this anniversary has become the most important event of state policy in the field of theatrical art. Based on the order of the President of the Russian Federation No. Pr-352 dated 03/02/2004, the Russian Government Order No. 572-r dated 05/12/2005 “On the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the establishment of the Russian State Theater” was issued, in accordance with which the main events took place in Alexandrinsky Theater throughout 2006. In November 2012, the 180th anniversary of the Alexandrinsky Theater building was solemnly celebrated. The new stage of the Alexandrinsky Theater opened on May 15, 2013. The modern unique architectural complex of the New Stage was built according to the design of St. Petersburg architect Yuri Zemtsov on the site of the former theater workshops between Ostrovsky Square and the Fontanka embankment. The new stage is a multi-level space, including 4 halls of different capacities and a spacious two-level foyer; it is equipped with the most advanced lighting, sound, video and media equipment. The New Stage Media Center, an ideal venue for meetings, master classes and film screenings with 100 seats, has everything necessary to organize television-level Internet broadcasts; Many New Stage events are broadcast on various Internet resources.
The new stage is not only a modern stage for the oldest drama theater in the country, which produces 4-5 premieres during the season and hosts more than 120 performances. Over the course of three years, the New Stage has developed a reputation as one of the main cultural and educational multidisciplinary centers in St. Petersburg. The New Stage regularly hosts master classes and meetings, concerts, film screenings, exhibitions – 250 events annually. In the summer of 2016, another platform was opened to the public on the New Stage - the Roof, where meetings, poetry readings, concerts, and film screenings take place. In August 2014, the Alexandrinsky Theater was awarded the status of National Treasure.
In April 2016, the Alexandrinsky Theater was included in the register of the State Code of Especially Valuable Objects of the Cultural Heritage of the Peoples of the Russian Federation.
By decree of Empress Elizaveta Petrovna, a Russian theater was founded in St. Petersburg to present tragedies and comedies, from which the troupe of the Alexandrinsky Theater traces its history. Playwright Alexander Petrovich Sumarokov was appointed director of the theater. The troupe was led by actor Fyodor Grigorievich Volkov. The theater became the first state public theater in Russia and began its regular performances in the former Golovkinsky house on Vasilyevsky Island. Subsequently, the building was rebuilt for the Academy of Arts.
1759
By the highest order of the court department, the theater was assigned to the department of the Court Office.
1763
After the death of F.G. Volkov's troupe is headed by the famous Russian actor Ivan Afanasyevich Dmitrevsky.
1766
The theater troupe became part of the established imperial theater directorate.
1783
The Russian drama troupe begins its performances in the building of the newly built Bolshoi Stone Theater in St. Petersburg, later rebuilt for the St. Petersburg Conservatory.
1831
The theater troupe performed the comedy by A.S. in its entirety for the first time. Griboyedov "Woe from Wit". The role of Chatsky was played by V.A. Karatygin.
31 Aug 1832
The St. Petersburg Russian Drama Troupe begins its performances in a new building in the very center of St. Petersburg, designed by the great architect K.I. Russia. In honor of the wife of Emperor Nicholas I, Alexandra Feodorovna, the building is named the Alexandrinsky Theater. The building of the Alexandrinsky Theater is a masterpiece of world theatrical architecture and is protected by UNESCO.
1836
The premiere of “The Inspector General” by N.V. took place on the stage of the Alexandrinsky Theater. Gogol. The author himself took an active part in the production of the play. In the role of Khlestakov - N.O. Dur.
1836
The building of the Alexandrinsky Theater is assigned to the St. Petersburg Imperial Drama Troupe. At the same time, the troupe continues to perform at other theater venues in the capital, which are under the jurisdiction of the Directorate of Imperial Theaters.
1856
Staged at the Comedy Theater by A.V. Sukhovo-Kobylin “Krechinsky’s Wedding”. In the title role - V.V. Samoilov.
1859
For the first time, a play by A.N. was staged on the stage of the Alexandrinsky Theater. Ostrovsky "The Thunderstorm".
1867
For the first time, the tragedy of A.K. was staged on the theater stage. Tolstoy "The Death of Ivan the Terrible". In the role of Ivan the Terrible - P.V. Vasiliev.
1870
For the first time, the tragedy of A.S. was staged on the theater stage. Pushkin "Boris Godunov". In the role of Boris Godunov - L.L. Leonidov.
1879
For the first time, a comedy by I.S. was staged on the theater stage. Turgenev "A Month in the Country". The role of Verochka was played by M.G. Savina.
1889
For the first time, A.P.’s play was staged on the stage of the Imperial Theater. Chekhov "Ivanov". The title role was played by V.N. Davydov
1895
For the first time, a play by L.N. was staged on the Alexandrinsky stage. Tolstoy "The Power of Darkness". The role of Akulina was played by M.G. Savina
1896
For the first time, A.P.’s comedy was staged on the theater stage. Chekhov's "The Seagull". The role of Nina Zarechnaya was played by V.F. Komissarzhevskaya. The production went down in the history of world theater as “the failure of The Seagull.”
1902
On the stage of the theater, the tragedy of Euripides “Hippolytus” was staged in the translation by D.S. Merezhkovsky. The production was carried out by director Yu.E. Ozarovsky, scenery created by L.S. Bakst.
1910
On the Alexandrinsky stage Sun. E. Meyerhold staged Moliere's comedy Don Juan. Artist - A.Ya. Golovin. Starring Yu.M. Yuriev
1914
For the first time, a play by L.N. was staged on the theater stage. Andreev "Professor Storitsyn". In the title role - R.B. Apollonian.
February 1917
Premiere of the legendary performance Sun. E. Meyerhold and A.Ya. Golovin based on the drama by M.Yu. Lermontov "Masquerade". Music by A.K. Glazunov. The performance becomes the last production of the imperial stage and one of the most harmonious performances in the history of the world stage. Starring Yu.M. Yuryev. The play was in the theater's repertoire until July 1941.
After February 1917
The theater is part of the directorate of State Theaters.
Late October 1917 - March 1918
“Sabotage” of the Bolshevik government, the Theater stops performances and boycotts the new government.
March 1918
"Autonomization" of former imperial theaters. For the first time, the theater began to be called “Alexandrinsky” (with the prefix “former”) in relation to the Petrograd state drama troupe.
1919
The theater receives the status of “academic” and is called the Petrograd State Academic Drama Theater (formerly Alexandrinsky)
1920
The theater is part of the Association of Academic Theaters.
The theater is named the State Academic Drama Theater (Gosdrama).
1922-1928
The director of the theater is the outstanding Russian actor and theater figure Yuri Mikhailovich Yuryev
1928-1933
The theater is directed by the prominent Soviet director Nikolai Vasilyevich Petrov.
1931
“Fear” by A. N. Afinogenov. Staged by N.V. Petrova. In the role of Professor Borodin - I.N. Singers.
1932
The centenary of the building of the Alexandrinsky Theater (then the Leningrad State Drama Theater) is celebrated as a major anniversary of the socio-political and cultural life of the country. At the same time, following the ideological line of the then government, seventy-six years are arbitrarily cut off from the creative history of the first state drama troupe of Russia.
1933-1936
The artistic director of the theater is the outstanding actor, director and teacher Boris Mikhailovich Sushkevich.
1934
"Boris Godunov" A.S. Pushkin. Staged by B.M. Sushkevich. In the role of Boris Godunov - N.K. Simonov.
1936-1938
The artistic director of the theater was the famous Soviet director Sergei Ernestovich Radlov.
1936
“Forest” by A.N. Ostrovsky. Staged by V.P. Kozhich. In the role of Neschastlivtsev - Yu.M. Yuryev.
1937
In the year of the centenary of the death of A.S. Pushkin Leningrad State Drama was named after A.S. Pushkin.
1938-1966
The artistic direction of the theater is carried out by the outstanding actor, director and teacher Leonid Sergeevich Vivien.
1940
“The Noble Nest” by I.S. Turgenev. Staged by A.A. Musil. In the role of Lavretsky - N.K. Simonov.
1941-1944
Theater in evacuation. The troupe works in Novosibirsk, on the stage of the Red Torch Theater. The Leningrad Musical Comedy Theater performs on the stage of the Alexandrinsky Theater during the siege.
1950
“Living Corpse” L.N. Tolstoy. Staged by V.P. Kozhich and A.N. Dawson. In the role of Fedya Protasov - N.K. Simonov.
1955
"Optimistic tragedy" Sun. Vishnevsky. Staged by G.A. Tovstonogov. In the role of Leader - Yu.V. Tolubeev, in the role of Commissioner - O.Ya. Lebzak
1956
"Player" F.M. Dostoevsky. Staged by L.S. Vivien and A.N. Dawson. In the role of Alexey Ivanovich - V.I. Chestnokov.
1958
"Running" M.A. Bulgakov. Staged by L.S. Vivienne. In the role of Khludov - N.K. Cherkasov.
1962
“Little tragedies” by A.S. Pushkin. Staged by L.S. Vivienne. In the role of Baron - N.K. Cherkasov, in the role of Salieri - N.K. Simonov.
1974
“The Adventures of Chichikov, or Dead Souls” by N.V. Gogol. Staged by N.M. Sheiko. In the role of Chichikov - I.O. Gorbachev.
1975-1991
The artistic director of the theater is the outstanding artist and teacher I.O. Gorbachev.
1975
“Elegy” by P. Pavlovsky. Production by I.S. Olschwanger. In the role of Turgenev - B.A. Freundlich.
1978
"Ivanov" A.P. Chekhov. Production by A.O. Sagalchik. In the role of Ivanov - I.O. Gorbachev.
1981
The 225th anniversary of the Russian-Alexandrinsky-Pushkin Theater is widely celebrated.
1991
The name Alexandrinsky is returned to the theater. The official name of the theater: Russian State Academic Drama Theater named after. A.S. Pushkin (Alexandrinsky).
1994
“Monsieur Georges. Russian drama" by M.Yu. Lermontov. Staged by A.A. Praudina
1997
“The Legend of Tsar Peter and his murdered son Alexei” by F. Gorenstein. Staged by A.V. Galibina
1998
“P.S. Kapellmeister Johannes Kreisler, its author and their beloved Julia: Cadenzas on themes from the works of E.-T.-A. Hoffman and V.-A. Mozart." Staged by G.M. Kozlova. The performance was awarded the State Prize of Russia.
2002
The theater enters into a creative agreement with the Center. Sun. Meyerhold on the implementation of the joint creative program “New Life of Tradition”. The artistic director of the program is the outstanding Russian director, head of the center V.V. Fokin
October 5, 2002
V.V. Fokin performs his first production on the theater stage - the original version of the comedy by N.V. Gogol's "The Inspector General", which opens the creative program "New Life of Tradition". In the role of Khlestakov - A.V. Devotchenko. The performance was awarded the State Prize of Russia.
2003
2005 year
“Double” by F.M. Dostoevsky. Staged by V.V. Fokina. In the role of Golyadkin the Elder - V.V. Gvozditsky.
2006
The 250th anniversary of the Alexandrinsky Theater is celebrated as the anniversary of the first state theater of Russia and the beginning of state policy in the field of domestic performing arts. A large-scale reconstruction and restoration of the historical theater building is being carried out. The historical exhibition “Museum of Russian Drama” opens. The International Theater Festival "Alexandrinsky" is being held for the first time.
As part of the creative program “New Life of Tradition,” Greek director Theodoros Terzopoulos is staging Sophocles’ tragedy “Oedipus the King.” This performance opened the First International Theater Festival "Alexandrinsky".
“Living Corpse” L.N. Tolstoy. Staged by V.V. Fokina. In the role of Fedya Protasov - S.I. Parshin.
2007
“The Seagull” by A.P. Chekhov. Staged by K. Lupa (Poland). In the Role of Nina Zarechnaya - Yu.G. Marchenko.
2007
“Ivans” based on “The Tale of How Ivan Ivanovich Quarreled with Ivan Nikiforovich” and other works by N.V. Gogol. Staged by A.A. Mighty. In the role of Ivan Ivanovich - N.S. Marton, in the role of Ivan Nikiforovich - V.F. Smirnov.
2008
“Marriage” N.V. Gogol. Staged by V.V. Fokina. In the role of Podkolesin - I.N. Volkov.
year 2009
"Ksenia. Love Story" by V. Levanov. Staged by V.V. Fokina. In the role of Ksenia - Ya.D. Lakoba.
2010
"Hamlet" by W. Shakespeare. Staged by V.V. Fokina. In the role of Hamlet - D.O. Lysenkov.
2011
“Your Gogol” according to N.V. Gogol. Staged by V.V. Fokina. In the role of Gogol - I.N. Volkov.
year 2012
“Liturgy Zero” by F.M. Dostoevsky. Staged by V.V. Fokina. In the role of Alexei Ivanovich - A. Shagin.
May 15, 2013
The new stage of the Alexandrinsky Theater opens.
August 2014
The Alexandrinsky Theater received the status of National Treasure
year 2014
“Masquerade” by M.Yu. Lermontov and Vs. Meyerhold. Staged by V.V. Fokina. In the role of Arbenin - P.M. Semak and D.O. Lysenkov.
August 2015
The first tour of the Alexandrinsky Theater in China. Valery Fokin's play The Inspector General based on the comedy of the same name by N.V. Gogol is shown in Beijing on the stage of the Beijing People's Theater and in Shanghai on the stage of the Shanghai Grand Theatre.
2016
"Today. 2016" K.V. Fokina. Staged by V.V. Fokina. (New scene). Starring P.M. Semak.
For the needs of the entrepreneur Casassi. The establishment was named the Casassi Theatre. After the fire at the Bolshoi Theater in 1811, the architect Thomas de Thomon proposed rebuilding the theater, expanding its stage and hall. But this was prevented by the War of 1812.
Discussions about rebuilding the theater continued again after the war, when Emperor Alexander I returned to St. Petersburg. For the new owner of the Anichkov Palace, Grand Duke Nikolai Pavlovich, the space of the estate was put in order, but there was not enough money to rebuild the Casassi establishment. At this time, funds were used for the construction of the General Staff building. Despite the refusal to build a theater, the design of the square with a new building in the 1810s was drawn up by Carl Rossi, who was engaged in remodeling the interiors of the Anichkov Palace.
Rossi's project began to be implemented with the coming to power of Nicholas I. The Emperor wished to rebuild the square in front of the Grand Duke's palace, which was entrusted to the architect. On April 5, 1828, the project was approved, and the next day a Commission was created “to build a stone theater and two buildings behind it.” The commission was headed by N. Selyavin, vice-president of the Cabinet. Architects N. Tkachev and I. Galberg became Rossi’s assistants at the construction site.
By the spring of 1828, the owners of the plots necessary for construction were paid 950,000 rubles from the treasury. Those who were in no hurry to vacate the place were forcibly evicted within one week.
For the foundation of the theater, about 5,000 piles were driven into the ground. The walls of the building were erected in the same year. In 1829, they began to install ceilings, which the architect planned to make from metal. This decision was opposed by General Engineer P. Bazin, who headed the Committee for Buildings and Hydraulic Works. He expressed his doubts about the reliability of metal ceilings in a report to the emperor. Nicholas I created a commission to examine the project “for the construction of metal rafters and the roof of the newly built theater on Nevsky Prospekt, whether the walls and rafters will withstand the weight of the machines and whether this device will not be dangerous.” Work at M. Clark's Alexander Iron Foundry, which manufactured these structures, was suspended. Carl Rossi and M. Clark were required to provide a model and explanation. In connection with these events, the architect Rossi wrote the following letter to the emperor:
"Illustrious prince, dear sir!
I had the honor to receive an order from Your Excellency, dated September 2, with the announcement that the Sovereign Emperor, having considered the opinion of General Bazin and other papers... regarding the installation of metal roofs on the newly built theater... deigned to stop all work on this device until further notice.
On this occasion, I take the liberty to convey to Your Excellency that when His Imperial Majesty deigned to approve my project for a new theater and chose me to build it, then through this I was endowed with complete and complete power of attorney, which I had the good fortune to justify by experience with what others had already produced by me buildings that are not ordinary, such as: the construction of a metal archive in the General Staff Building and the conical vault of a large arch connecting the General Staff building with the new building from the Malaya Millionnaya side. Now, to my greatest regret, I see that I am completely deprived of this power of attorney, and envy and intrigue triumph.
As a result of this, and so as not to darken my reputation, I humbly ask... to seek permission to complete the work begun on installing a metal roof, for me personally, together with Mr. Clark, according to our adopted system. Both I and Mr. Clark answer with honor and head that the said roof will not cause the slightest misfortune and that the entire structure will have the proper strength...
In conclusion, I will inform Your Excellency that in the event that any misfortune occurs in the said building due to the installation of a metal roof, then, as an example for others, let me be immediately hanged from one of the rafters..." [Quoted from: 2, p. 528]
After inspecting the finished metal structures at Clark’s plant on September 19, 1829, Nicholas I announced the decision: “... continue the stone construction of walls for a metal roof and immediately put several iron rafters for the roof for testing, and also put cast iron rafters above the stage after finishing them experience in advance at the factory..." The test consisted of checking the strength of the rafters by hanging a load weighing 40 tons on each of them. Thus, Rossi’s project was nevertheless accepted for execution.
The project for decorating the hall was not fully realized. The architect intended it to be more elegant than what was executed. Bronze and copper were replaced with wood carvings and artistic painting. This decision was made due to the lack of funds that were going to the needs of the army at that time. The decoration of the auditorium based on Rossi's sketches was created by Okhta carvers, stucco masters N. Sipyagin and M. Sokolov, and artists the Dodonov brothers.
Nicholas I wanted to see the auditorium upholstered in red fabric. Rossi announced to the emperor that there was no such thing in stock, and if one waited for its purchase, it would not be possible to open the theater on time. Thus, Rossi achieved the realization of his plan - to decorate the auditorium with blue upholstery.
The grand opening of the theater took place on August 31, 1832. The next day the newspapers wrote:
"This huge, elegant, majestic building was built by the architect Rossi. The hall contains five tiers of boxes, except for the benoirs. There are 242 chairs, located in nine tiers. Behind the chairs, the so-called seats behind the chairs rise like an amphitheater, up to the boxes of the first tier (182 in number ), numbered benches, very comfortable for spectators and listeners... The performance opened with the tragedy “Pozharsky, or the Liberation of Moscow” and a Spanish divertissement, that is, various Spanish dances [Cit. from: 2, p. 530].
The theater was named after the wife of Emperor Nicholas I, Alexandra Feodorovna. Since then it has been called "Alexandrinka". The building became part of the unified architectural ensemble of Ostrovsky Square. Above the colonnade, the facade of the theater is decorated with a quadriga, ruled by the god of arts Apollo. The author of the sculpture is S. S. Pimenov. Apollo's quadriga was made by craftsmen from the Aleksandrovsky plant. For this work, masters Pyotr Katerinin and Pyotr Odintsov, as well as apprentice Rogozin, received silver medals on Annin ribbons, and master Andrei Malikov received a gold medal.
The Alexandrinsky Theater was initially under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of the Imperial Household. Its Rossi walls were painted light grey.
In the year of the opening of the Alexandrinsky Theater, on the basis of an imperial order, the directorate provided Carl Rossi with free and eternal use of a ticket to box No. 14 of the second tier. On January 14, 1837, the director of the imperial theaters, Gedeonov, reported to the Minister of the Court:
".... Mr. Rossi asked the management if she would like to take this box away from him, and pay him money for it.
Due to the unknown whether Mr. Rossi still has the right to make such a transfer of a lodge without special permission... I did not dare to accept his proposals.
But this box is occupied at almost all performances by various persons from the audience, and as admission into it... is always done with a special ticket issued to it by Mr. Rossi, it was discovered that with this ticket a person was sent to the theater, who sold it in the corridor I’m telling this in places about solitary people of all kinds... This person who was sent was not only confirmed many times not to do this again, but even... for this reason he was detained in the theater with the announcement that if he continued such actions in the future, then.. will be forwarded to the police.
Despite this, however, it turned out that during the performance that took place on January 10, seven people of various kinds were admitted into the box in the same way, of whom there was a quarrel and a fight between two, during the investigation of which the police turned out that among those sitting in this box there were nobles or officials, as well as serfs..." [Quoted from: 2, 548]
After this incident, Rossi was announced that the next similar incident would result in him being deprived of his ticket.
Once upon a time, on the days of theatrical premieres and benefit performances, a long line of carriages and carriages lined up at the entrance to Alexandrinka. Among the “golden youth” of that time, it was indecent to walk to the theater, so enterprising cab drivers specially parked their carriages near the theater, on Nevsky Prospekt. From there the young people drove up to their destination.
On the eve of 1849, Nicholas I wanted to update the decoration of the auditorium of the Alexandrinsky Theater. He ordered the four boxes near the stage to be enlarged and the hall's upholstery to be replaced with red, which was entrusted to Carlo Rossi, who created two alteration projects. This work was the last for the 72-year-old architect.
In Soviet times, the theater received the name "Academic Drama Theater named after A.S. Pushkin." With the acquisition of this name, he began to be called “Pushkinsky”.
On September 12, the Alexandrinsky Theater celebrates the 180th anniversary of its walls. In 1832, the troupe moved into one of the most beautiful buildings in the center of St. Petersburg. RIA Novosti publishes historical information about house No. 6 on Ostrovsky Square.
Alexandrinsky Theater
Russian State Academic Drama Theater named after. A.S. Pushkin - Alexandrinsky Theater - is the oldest national theater in Russia. It was established by Senate Decree signed by Empress Elizabeth on August 30, 1756. It is this theater that is the progenitor of all Russian theaters, and the date of its foundation is the birthday of the Russian Professional Theater.
Preparation for construction
The territory where the now famous Alexandrinsky Theater was later built, in the 18th century belonged to Colonel Anichkov, the builder of the bridge named after him, and was purchased from him by the treasury. On this territory there was a garden that extended to what is now Sadovaya Street.
In 1801, the architect Brenna rebuilt the large wooden pavilion that stood on the site of the current square into a theater in which the Italian entrepreneur Antonio Casassi organized an Italian opera troupe. Over time, this room no longer met the growing needs of the city, and it was decided to build a new stone theater. However, the implementation of the idea was delayed due to the unstable situation under Alexander I - military conflicts with Turkey, the war with Napoleon of 1812.
In 1818, the boundaries of the garden were narrowed, and the area formed between the Public Library and the garden of the Anichkov Palace was transferred to the theater directorate.
Between 1816 and 1827, Carl Rossi developed a number of projects for the reconstruction and development of this square. All these options included the construction of a city theater on the square. The final version of the project was approved on April 5, 1828, and construction of the theater building began in the same year.
On September 12, 1832, the Russian State Drama Theater received a magnificent building in the center of Nevsky.
House No. 6
This building was named the Alexandrinsky Theater (in honor of the wife of Emperor Nicholas I, Alexandra Feodorovna). Since then, the name of the Alexandrinsky Theater has been inextricably linked with the world history of performing arts. A unique complex of buildings, with a five-tier auditorium, a huge stage, palace front foyers, a majestic facade, which has become one of the emblems of the northern capital, is one of the pearls of world architecture registered by UNESCO.
The main façade of the theatre, on the side of Nevsky Prospekt, is decorated with a deep multi-column loggia, the space of which seems to be part of Ostrovsky Square. The side facades of the building are made in the form of eight-column porticoes. On the other side, the street designed by Rossi and forming a common ensemble with the theater leads to the theater (Zodchego Rossi), the perspective of which is closed across the entire width by the rear, almost flat, but richly decorated facade of the theater.
The building is bordered by an expressive sculptural frieze with antique theatrical masks and garlands of laurel branches. In the niches on the end facades there are statues of muses, on the attic of the main facade there is a quadriga of Apollo.
Interior
A loggia with a powerful Corinthian colonnade, crowned with an attic with stucco reliefs of Glory and the chariot of Apollo, rich design of cornices, friezes, bas-reliefs, rhythmic lines of windows, arches, balustrades - all this makes up a solemn ensemble, a kind of architectural symphony; The interior decoration of the theater is also remarkable.
Seats for spectators were created according to the most advanced multi-tiered system of boxes for its time with an amphitheater and a spacious stalls. The five-tier auditorium has good proportions and excellent acoustics. In 1841, there were 107 boxes (10 in the benoir, 26 boxes on the first tier, 28 on the second, 27 on the third and 16 on the fourth), a balcony for 36 people, a gallery on the fourth tier with 151 seats, 390 seats on the fifth tier, 231 chairs in the stalls (9 rows) and 183 seats behind them. In total, the theater could accommodate up to 1,700 people.
The decoration of the auditorium is solemn and elegant, the interiors of the theater have practically preserved the original decoration. Initially, blue upholstery was used, it was replaced in 1849 with crimson: the theater, in which the lighting was provided by oil lamps, became smoky from the inside. For the same reason, over time, all the wall and ceiling paintings were updated, and later the stage was completely redone. In addition to the velvet decoration, the boxes are richly decorated with gilded carvings: the carvings of the central ("Royal") box and the boxes near the stage were made according to drawings by Rossi, and the ornament on the barriers of the tiers was created in the second half of the 19th century.
The decoration of the auditorium was complemented by a wonderful perspective picturesque ceiling, which depicted Olympus and Parnassus (artist A. K. Vigi).
Design
K.I. Rossi defended his design in front of official circles, which was not easy. Confidence in the strength of the metal structure he proposed is illustrated by one of the reports: “... in the event that... ... some misfortune occurs from the installation of metal roofs, then, as an example for others, let me be hanged right away on one of the rafters of the theater.”
Story
The walls of the Alexandrinsky Theater preserve the memory of great figures of the Russian state, politicians, military leaders, and cultural figures. A.S. has been here. Pushkin, M.Yu. Lermontov, N.V. Gogol, I.S. Turgenev, F.M. Dostoevsky, L.N. Tolstoy, A.P. Chekhov, P.I. Tchaikovsky, A.M. Gorchakov, S.Yu. Witte, V.A. Stolypin, K.G. Mannerheim, many crowned heads of European states.
It was at the Alexandrinsky Theater that the premieres of almost all works of Russian dramatic classics from “Woe from Wit” by A.S. took place. Griboyedov to the plays of A.N. Ostrovsky and A.P. Chekhov.
Alexandrinka's performances are included in all world theater encyclopedias. Great artists A. Benois, K. Korovin, A. Golovin, N. Altman, outstanding composers A. Glazunov, D. Shostakovich, R. Shchedrin collaborated with the theater.
Reconstruction
The grand opening of the reconstructed Alexandrinsky Theater took place on August 30, 2006, during the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the oldest state drama theater in Russia. In the morning, Metropolitan Vladimir of St. Petersburg and Ladoga consecrated the stage and auditorium of the theater, blessing the assembled actors, directors and theater workers. In the afternoon, the opening of the exhibition “Theater of Illustrious Masters”, dedicated to the 250th anniversary of the Russian theater, took place at the Marble Palace. The opening of the renovated Alexandrinsky stage was the culmination of the anniversary celebrations.
Since the beginning of the 21st century, construction of the second stage of the theater has been underway. The opening date was postponed several times. The administration now promises that the work will be completed by 2013.
The material was prepared based on information from open sources.
In the cultural capital of Russia there is one of the oldest theaters in our country (among those that have survived to this day), founded in the 50s of the 18th century by the Empress Elizaveta Petrovna, is the Alexandrinsky Theater, also known as the Pushkin Theater.
The troupe of this famous drama theater toured all over the world, and everywhere its productions enjoyed constant success.
The theater building was designed by Carl Rossi. It is built in accordance with the canons of the Empire style. In the 21st century, the second building of the theater was built - the New Stage. It is a unique multifunctional center that has no analogues in the world.
Theater building
For quite a long time, the theater troupe did not have its own premises, using the buildings of other theaters. Only seventy-six years after the founding of the troupe did it finally receive its own building.
The theater was built in early 30s of the XIX century. The territory on which it was erected previously belonged to the Anichkov family and was occupied by a huge garden. To be more precise, the owner of the territory in the 18th century was the same colonel under whose leadership the famous Anichkov Bridge. Later, the land was purchased from him by the treasury, and construction of the theater began.
At first, the building was wooden and was not intended at all for a “homeless” troupe of Russian actors, but for Italian opera. Later, the small wooden building no longer met the needs of the city; it was decided to erect a new building, this time made of stone. The implementation of this plan was hindered by a military conflict with Turkey, then war broke out with France... The construction of the theater was postponed indefinitely.
At the beginning of the 19th century Carl Rossi Several designs for the new building were created. He worked on these projects for about ten years. At the end of the 20s, construction work finally began. About four years later, the new magnificent theater building was completed. Currently, it is one of the main architectural attractions of the city.
The main façade of the building is given special majesty by deep loggia with many columns. The main decoration of the side facades is also columns(eight on each side). A street leads to the building, forming a single ensemble with it. This was the plan of the architect, who designed not only the theater, but also this street, combining them into a single composition. The rather short street is closed by the theater building, or more precisely, by its rear facade, which is almost flat, but is distinguished by its rich decor.
Separately, a few words need to be said about the sculptures decorating the walls of the theater. They were created Vasily Demut-Malinovsky. This is an antique chariot, ancient Greek muses, theatrical masks, laurel wreaths... Together with the columns, attic and other elements of the building, these sculptures are like parts of an architectural symphony created in the 19th century by two authors - a famous architect and a famous sculptor.
Speaking about the theater building, it is necessary to say a few words about the original design of its vault. In the 19th century, this design was an innovation. The architect had to defend this unusual engineering solution and defend it from the attacks of many contemporaries. He was firmly confident in the reliability of the design he proposed (and, as time has shown, this confidence was well founded). The architect even offered to immediately hang it right in the theater - in the event that the engineering solution he proposed would cause any misfortune.
Building interiors
The theater's interiors are also worthy of a separate description. The hall is five-tiered. It was created according to the most progressive system for the 19th century. The acoustics of the hall are beyond praise. The elegant interiors of the theater are now almost the same as they were in the 19th century.
However, it should be noted that initially blue upholstery was used in the hall, but in the late 40s of the 19th century it was replaced crimson. The reason for this change was the most banal: at that time the theater used oil lamps, which smoked heavily, so that the original upholstery was seriously damaged. The soot also ruined the wall paintings, so they had to renew them. The same thing happened with ceiling paintings. Speaking about the changes that occurred at that time in theater interiors, it is also necessary to mention the stage: for a number of reasons it was greatly redone.
When visiting the theater, pay attention to luxurious carving, which decorates the lodges: its drawings were made by the author of the building project. The ornament with which the barriers of the tiers are decorated was created later - in the second half of the 19th century.
Theater in the 19th-20th centuries
The theater received its name in honor Alexandra Feodorovna, wife of Nicholas I. Throughout the 19th century, this theater was one of the main centers of culture not only in the northern Russian capital, but throughout the country. At first the troupe was guided by the traditions of European productions, but gradually, year after year, its own original style, its own school, began to emerge.
The most popular genres in the first half of the 19th century were comedy performances; audiences also eagerly bought up tickets for vaudeville shows. Perhaps the reason was that the difficult war with Napoleon was left behind, after the horrors of which people wanted positive emotions, lightness and fun. By the way, it was then that the early comedy by Alexander Griboyedov.
Because the audience preferred vaudeville, St. Petersburg actors had to improve their plasticity and be able to combine movement and singing. It was then that critics began to contrast the theater schools of Moscow and St. Petersburg. It was believed that in the northern capital there was more emphasis on external skill than on genuine acting talent. However, both schools were rated very highly.
The theater received special attention from Russian emperors, especially in the first half of the 19th century.
In that part of the history of theater that covers the 20th century, several main periods and key events can be distinguished.
Immediately after the 1917 revolution the theater's activities were discontinued: This was done as a protest against the new government. However, this “sabotage,” which lasted about four or five months, did not have any large-scale consequences. After some time, performances in the theater resumed.
In the 20s of the 20th century, the theater began to be called the “mecca of directors.” By that time Vsevolod Meyerhold I have already staged several performances on its stage. “Don Juan” by Moliere and “Masquerade” based on the drama by Mikhail Lermontov made an indelible impression on the audience.
At the beginning of the 30s, a solemn ceremony took place celebration of the centenary of the theater building. It became an important event in the cultural life of not only the city, but the entire country. However, this anniversary seemed to erase from the history of the troupe those seventy-six years when it did not have its own building. This was done for ideological reasons, because otherwise we would have to remember that the theater was founded by the Russian Empress, and its troupe was originally a court troupe.
At the end of the 30s, the theater was awarded name of Alexander Pushkin. By the way, in the first decades of the 20th century, the theater was sometimes called “Ak-drama” (the word “ak” is an abbreviation for the adjective “academic”).
During wartime, the troupe was evacuated along Lake Ladoga (covered with ice). The theater continued its work in Novosibirsk.
In the early 90s, the famous St. Petersburg theater was returned to its historical name.
Present time
One of the brightest moments in the history of the theater in the current century was the proposal of the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation to merge Alexandrinka with the Yaroslavl Drama Theater (Volkovsky). What was supposed to result from the merger was planned to be called The first national theater of Russia. But this initiative was not implemented, as the public assessed the merger of theaters negatively. However, the project has not been completely rejected by the Russian authorities; its implementation has only been suspended. By the way, some artists assess the possible merger of the two theaters as the right step, which will help the development of Russian culture and provide new opportunities for directors and actors.
