Enjoy a Russian theatre in Riga
The Mikhail Chekhov Riga Russian Theatre is the oldest Russian drama theatre outside Russia. There has not been an independent Russian theatre in Riga before. It opened its doors on the 2nd of October in 1883 with the premiere of I. Shpanzinsky’s “Major’s Wife”.
At the beginning of the 20th century, the famous art directors K. N. Nezlobin and K. Marzhandov worked at the theatre. Because of them the Russian Theatre was able to perform famous plays such as “Idiot” by Dostoyevsky, “Snowgirl” by Ostrovsky, and “Power of darkness” by Leo Tolstoy. They made the theatre to become one of the best provincial theatres of the Russian Empire.
In 1931, the famous Russian actor, director and author, Mikhail Chechov, joined the theatre group. Within two years he directed Gogol’s “Revisor”, where he played the role of Chlestakov by himself, and he staged Dostojewski’s novel “The Village of Stepnchikovo” for the first time. He was the nephew of the famous author Anton Checkov.
In October 2003, the Russian theatre celebrated its 120th birthday! As a present, they presented a performance of Chekhov’s “Seagull” in collaboration with the world-known German director Peter Stein and the international Edinburgh Theatre Festival. It was one of the most important events in the cultural life of Latvia.
The theatre performances plays of different genres in the big and small hall as well as performances for children and musicals. Their program includes works of Russian classic, world classics and even works of young dramaturges. Additionally, the theatre is going on tours and takes part at different festivals. It realizes about five to seven projects per season. After its renovation in 2010, the theatre opened its doors with new beautiful rooms which have not lost their historical charm.
So, go there and enjoy the performances of a Russian theatre in Riga! The theatre is located on Kalku iela 16. For further information, please visit: http://www.trd.lv/lat/
