In a momentous celebration of culture and history, the XXVII Russian Theater Festival "Meetings in Russia" kicked off in St. Petersburg, highlighting the 80th anniversary of Victory in World War II. This year’s festival, held in the picturesque Tavrichesky Garden, is not just a stage for performances but a tribute to those who sacrificed for peace and freedom.
The festival's program features an array of premiere performances dedicated to this significant anniversary, showcasing productions inspired by the works of renowned Russian classics. Participating artistic teams hail from various regions, including Abkhazia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Russia, emphasizing the festival's role in strengthening cultural ties across borders.
Among the highlights, the Donetsk Republican Academic Youth Theater will present Marina Brusnikina’s poignant play "Is It a Bright Day," inspired by the stories of Viktor Astafiev, a writer who served in the war. Additionally, the Russian Drama Theater named after Dostoyevsky will bring to life Rachi Makhatayeva’s "Tomorrow Was the War," based on Boris Vasilyev’s impactful narrative.
In a nod to the festival’s commitment to honoring historical contributions, the Belarusian theaters will perform Aleksey Dudarov’s "Don’t Leave Me" at the Brest Academic Drama Theater named after the Lenin Komsomol of the Republic of Belarus. This play reflects the experiences of those who lived through the war, further enriching the festival's thematic depth.
The event also places a strong emphasis on the maternal and childhood experiences during wartime. Notable productions include Anna Troyanova’s "The Golden Cloud Overnight," a contemporary parable based on Anatoly Pristavkin’s story, presented by the Karaganda Russian Drama Theater named after Stanislavsky, and Khurshed Mustafaev’s "Mom, Thank You for Life," based on Mikhail Roshchin’s play "Echelon" from the State Russian Drama Theater named after Mayakovsky in Dushanbe, Tajikistan.
As the festival progresses, the Russian Drama Theater of Uzbekistan will showcase Viktor Bugakov’s adaptation of A.P. Chekhov’s stories, titled "Tales of Melpomene," marking the theater's 90th anniversary. The State Russian Drama Theater "Rusdram" from Sukhum, Abkhazia, will also participate with Egor Ravinsky’s performance of "Fathers and Sons," based on Ivan Turgenev’s classic novel.
Concluding the festival will be a performance concert by the Belarusian State Youth Theater from Minsk titled "I Remember All by Name," which promises to resonate deeply with audiences through the recitation of beloved wartime poetry and songs.
In addition to the theatrical presentations, the festival will host the International Conference "Russian Theater Abroad as an Institute of Russian Culture" from April 2 to April 5, 2025. This conference aims to explore the role of Russian theaters abroad in preserving and promoting Russian cultural heritage, coinciding with the anniversary of the Great Victory.
Participants and guests of the festival will also visit the Pamyatny Memorial "Victims of the Nazi Genocide" in the Gatchina district, further emphasizing the festival's commitment to remembrance and reflection. This visit will be followed by an exploration of the extensive post-war reconstruction history of the State Museum-Reserve "Gatchina."
Adding to the festival's significance, the inaugural presentation of the Kirill Lavrov International Prize "For Support and Promotion of Russian Culture" will take place. This award, established in honor of the centenary of the esteemed actor and People's Artist of the USSR, Kirill Lavrov, aims to recognize individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to Russian culture. Lavrov, a pivotal figure in the arts, dedicated his life to supporting Russian theaters abroad and was instrumental in initiating the "Meetings in Russia" festival.
The festival’s events are designed not only to entertain but to engage audiences in meaningful discussions about the impact of war on society and the importance of cultural preservation. Workshops and creative meetings with theater representatives will be held, fostering a collaborative environment for artists and audiences alike.
As the XXVII Russian Theater Festival "Meetings in Russia" unfolds, it stands as a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring legacy of those who fought for freedom. It serves as a testament to the arts' ability to bridge divides and celebrate shared histories, ensuring that the sacrifices of the past are never forgotten.
For more information on the festival's program and events, attendees can visit the official festival website.
