DOSTOEVSKY’S ”THE IDIOT” AT BOLSHOI THEATRE OF RUSSIA
Embrace this amazing opportunity to experience greatest classic literature on stage with mastery of best Russian opera traditions. Premieres on 29-30 of April, 2021 at Bolshoi Theatre of Russia, Moscow.
Throughout the XX century Dostoevsky’s philosophical and expressive prose – namely his major novel “The Idiot” – aroused keen interest among composers.
Taking Dostoyevsky’s novel as its starting point, Mieczysław Weinberg made Prince Myshkin the protagonist of his opera. We can assume that a naive, compassionate Prince is preaching the composer’s own ideals. The libretto was created in collaboration with the musicologist Alexander Medvedev, a permanent librettist and a close friend of the composer. It is a substantial work, over three hours of music (208 minutes), for sure, such huge amount is above the strength of contemporary audience. So, the piece was turned into a cohesive story suited for the stage.
TICKETS AT www.bolshoi.ru
Dostoyevsky’s “The Idiot” performed in Russian with English subtitles. Presented with one interval. Running time: 3 hours 5 minutes.
“The Idiot” at the Bolshoi is staged by a well-known theatre director Yevgeny Arye, founder and artistic director of Gesher Theatre (Tel Aviv). In a dramatic theatre he has staged performances on the works of Dostoyevsky twice, but it is the first time he works with an opera.
Artistic Director of the Polish Radio Symphony Orchestra Michał Klauza serves as music director of the production.
Set designer Simon Pastukh in alliance with his wife, costume designer Galina Solovieva work on the design of the production. They both have already worked at the Bolshoi – in 2005, they were members of the production team for Shostakovich’s Bolt (choreographer Alexei Ratmansky).