Moscow theaters have always been especially popular among residents and guests of the capital. However, not everyone knows the history of these temples of art. In this article we will dwell on the history of some of the most famous theaters in Moscow and the rating of their popularity.
Bolshoi Theater: History
The rating of Moscow theaters is rightfully led by Bolshoi. It is located at: Moscow, Theater Square, 1 (m "Okhotny Ryad", "Theater"). The building plan was developed by the architect Rozberg, and in 1776 the theater was built on Petrovskaya Street. It was because of the location that it was originally called the Bolshoi Petrovsky Theater.
Catherine II issued a decree according to which concerts, masquerades and balls were held in his building. And the first performance, which took place here, bore the name "Wanderer", and it happened in 1780.
The fires of 1805 and 1853, known in history, completely changed the appearance of the building. Before them, it was a brick three-story building with decorative white inserts. The view to which we are so accustomed, the building acquired only during the reign of Alexander the Second.
In Soviet times, they argued a lot about the fate of the Bolshoi Theater. There was even an offer to close it. But the government nevertheless decided to reconstruct the theater in 1922.
The current state of the Bolshoi Theater
To date, the Bolshoi Theater is considered the most famous not only in Russia, but throughout the world. For opera and ballet performances, it has three rooms:
- Historical. It was opened only after reconstruction in 2011, but the decor here is consistent with the imperial (exquisite features, red and gold tones). This room accommodates approximately 2,500 spectators.
- New room. It opened in 2002, the interior is decorated in a modern way. It accommodates about 928 people.
- Beethoven Hall. This hall is considered the most sophisticated in the world. The interior is decorated in the style of Louis XV. Such premises do not allow to accommodate a lot of people, so in this room there are only about 320 seats.
The Bolshoi Theater's repertoire includes such well-known performances as the ballet Ivan the Terrible, the operas The Tsar’s Bride and The Wedding of Figaro, the ballet Romeo and Juliet and many other delighted productions.
Theater "Lenkom"
Lenkom rightfully takes the second place in our rating.
Since we also indicate the addresses of Moscow theaters, the exact location of Lenkom is: Moscow, ul. Malaya Dmitrovka, house 6, metro station Pushkinskaya, Chekhovskaya, Tverskaya.
Previously, “Lenkom” was called the Moscow State Theater named after Lenin Komsomol. It opened in 1927, but the building in which it is located has a rich history. In 1917, it was used by a political organization called the House of Anarchy, and a little later, the School of Party Work. After some time, the building was taken over by the Communist University. By the way, Vladimir Lenin spoke here more than once.
Only in 1923, it was decided to use the building for public events. And in 1927 the Theater of Working Youth (TRAM) was opened here. Only in 1933 he was combined with the Simonov Theater Studio and given the name Lenin Komsomol Theater. In 1990, it was renamed "Lenkom".
To this day, Lenkom remains one of the most popular theaters in the Russian Federation. Warm and cozy atmosphere is to return here again and again and enjoy the art.
The repertoire of Moscow theaters is very diverse, and Lenkom became famous for its performances Walpurgis Night, Juno and Avos, Jester Balakirev, Memorial Prayer, Cherry Orchard, Peer Gynt and others gathering unchanged notices.
Theater of Nations
Theater address: Moscow, Petrovsky Lane, 3 (m "Pushkinskaya", "Chekhov", "Tverskaya").
Considering the famous Moscow theaters, one should not lose sight of the Theater of Nations. It has a very long and interesting history and is in third place in the ranking of Moscow theaters. It is believed that it was officially founded in 1987.
In the period from 1885 to 1933, the Korsh Theater was in the building, which experienced many ups and downs. At first he was very popular - they tried to use new technologies here. The entire elite sought to visit him in order to see with his own eyes how everything was arranged: dressing rooms, the auditorium, changing rooms. While other institutions used gas for lighting, electricity was already used here. Therefore, the popularity of the theater grew very quickly.
But in 1898 a new Moscow Art Theater was opened, and the audience gradually chose it. The success of the Korsch Theater faded, but not for long. In 1917, his story continued. He changed many names: Moscow Drama Theater, Partnership of Artists and others. A little later, the theater was made a branch of the Moscow Art Theater, and the building was closed. The last performance was held in 1932.
The theater reopened its doors only after 55 years, in 1987. And in 1991, it was called the Theater of Nations. And to this day, it remains one of the most successful in Russia, and many seek to visit it.
Here are staged performances such as "Idiot", "Honest con man", "Marriage", "Caligula", "Shukshin's Tales" and others.
Satire Theater: History
This theater is the fourth in the ranking of popular Moscow theaters. Its location: Moscow, Triumfalnaya Square, 2 (metro Mayakovskaya).
Satire Theater has a very interesting and eventful history. It opened in 1924. Its distinctive feature is that many of the performances that were staged here were soon banned. For example, “Ivan Vasilievich” or “Profitable place”.
Throughout history, the theater has changed its address more than once. On Triumfalnaya Square, where it is located now, it appeared in the 70s of the twentieth century. And initially the Satire Theater was located in Gnezdilovsky Lane, in the basement. Of course, he was not particularly popular then, but now has become one of the most visited places in the capital.
The current state of the Satire Theater
The history of Moscow theaters is unusually interesting and exciting. But their current condition is no less interesting for all guests and residents of Moscow. So, today the Satire Theater is equipped according to technical progress. The hall for spectators is very large, which can accommodate about 1217 people here. Everything was created in the room for the comfort of the audience, their convenience and excellent viewing of the scene.
The performances that are staged here are very relevant and interesting today, so the hall during the performance is always full of people. The repertoire of the Satire Theater is famous for many productions - “Wedding with the Dowry”, “Crazy Day, or The Marriage of Figaro”, “Wake up and Sing!”, “Three-Penny Opera”, “Dog in the Hay”, etc.
Photos of Moscow theaters, including the Satire Theater, you can see in the article.
Theater "Contemporary"
Considering the best Moscow theaters, one should not lose sight of the Sovremennik, which completes the rating of the five popular theaters in Moscow. Its location: Moscow, Chistoprudny Boulevard, d.19 (metro station "Chistye Prudy").
"Sovremennik" was founded in 1956 by young actors who studied at the Moscow Art Theater School. And on April 15 of the same year, the first performance was staged, which was seen by the public, entitled "Eternally Alive." The first few years of their existence, a group of young actors staged their performances in various cultural houses and other similar institutions. In 1961, they received a building on Mayakovsky Square, which was soon demolished. Since 1974, the Sovremennik Theater began working on Chistoprudny Boulevard, where it is located today.
Now the theater is very popular not only among Muscovites, but also among residents of the whole country. Demand for tickets is very high, so they are usually sold out long before the scheduled date of the performance. In all the performances of the Sovremennik Theater, the roles are played by popular actors who are known to the public for their many roles in the cinema.
The repertoire includes such performances as The Time of Women, Gorbunov and Gorchakov, Emilia Galotti, and others.
Conclusion
So, in the article we examined the most famous Moscow theaters, which today are very popular among the population. Each has its own interesting story, and by visiting any of them, you will get a lot of emotions and a charge of positive energy.