Alexander Ostrovsky in Theatre School RITS

Two views of one Balzaminov
Angliya №26 (188)

As we know, this play is the first part of a trilogy about the worthless serving the XIX century. Dreaming about a beautiful, carefree life, dress in "mo-de-c" and a walk in search of rich beauties - here, perhaps, the main lessons of the young clerk Balzaminov. His morning dream, which foretold the riches, almost become a reality, but suddenly came the bride's uncle pulls a happy lover's dream. This is little speach on the plot.

What can we say about the production?

Suddenly a hot summer day was as if created for this play, in which the author's intention, the action is accompanied by unprecedented heat. Audience mellow from the city's foul air, fanning themselves program of performance. In the moment these white pages of program seemed as laced fans of Moscow’s dressers. But the vaudeville genre of the play, her sparkling rhythm, fine-tuned director Lyudmila Baranova, instantly captured the attention of the public. Simple decor, unusual musical decision and bright costumes highlighted the direct benefits the acting studio theatre, and adventures of Misha Balzaminov (actor Daniel Avershin) were shown with such sympathy for the "little man", that the rustic character - unwillingly - captured the audience. Vitaly Antonevich as Kapochka quite convinced that it is possible (and even passionately!) Fall in love with a pathetic and miserable person. Comedy characters Akulina Gavrilovna (Irina Anderson) and Cleopatra Ivanovna (Lyubov Shlips), the viewer is not just encouraged an explosion of laughter and applause. Student from China - Tie Magee has done with the role as Ustinka.

It would be impossible for the audience to be indifferent to the performances of the minor characters: Yusha (Oleg Dzhabrailov), cook Matryona (Uliana Babetskaya), maid Malanya (Irina Karatcheva). Under appetizing crunch of pickled cucumbers and red apples Mrs. Balzaminova (Victoria Kovalenko), the auditorium, not just watching what is happening on stage, but after the show and looking forward to tasting fruits and vegetables, which on stage was enough. There remained intact walnuts cracking which Neil Borisovith Neuedenov (Oleg Kalninsh) shows virtuosic technique simple possession of a brick. Vaudeville character pieces complemented fluttering in straw hats and crinolines girls from Balzaminov dreams (student of the senior group drama school RITS). I would like to note the professional work of the choreographer Helen Babintseva. Do not be mistaken if I say that the theme of the play, affected A. Ostrovsky in the middle of the nineteenth century, is relevant today.

Final performance for many was a surprise. The decision last scene I could not guess. To still see the director's vision, I set out to - to see the play again.

The classic comedy by Alexander Ostrovsky staged by RITS - this is certainly an event. For the Russian community in the UK the opportunity to depart finally from party or entertaining evenings and remember the Russian classics, and the actors studio RITS - the opportunity to please his audience performances.

Dmitry Dragunsky

Images of the performance (Click to enlarge)