What is a troupe? It would seem that the meaning of this word is known to every person. But sometimes, in order to explain its meaning in more detail, we need to look into various dictionaries and find out its origin. For this purpose, an explanatory, phraseological, modern explanatory, etymological dictionary of the Russian language, an interpreter of foreign words and, possibly, some more resources will be useful to us. There are many other sources from which we can find out what a troupe is. But this is if we want to delve into and understand the origin and meaning of this word from a philological point of view. In this article, we will talk about the theater troupe, its composition, about the actors included in it.
What is a troupe?
This word refers to a permanent creative group of actors, also singers and musicians. In Russian, a troupe is usually a collective of a separate theater or circus. A dictionary of foreign words indicates that the term comes from the French troupe or the German word truppe. And he denotes the personal cast of a separate theater, as well as the society of wandering singers and actors. If we talk about the theater, then such a group is assembled by the head, director, based on the repertoire of his theater. Often they go to one or another theater because of the favorite actors who make up its troupe. When it is possible to create such a wonderful team, the theater gains special popularity, and sometimes the transfer of one famous actor from one troupe to another can reduce this popularity.
Varieties of the troupe
Let us now examine in more detail what the character of the theater troupe depends on. First of all, it determines the type of theater. Accordingly, the troupe of the theater can be dramatic, opera, opera, ballet. There are several more of its varieties, depending on the typical organization of the theater. There are theaters that do not have a permanent troupe, and actors are hired for a separate performance. But in most theaters it is still permanent. These are stationary, repertoire theaters, although such a refinement is usually not applied. Another name is known as a vagrant troupe. This is the name of the group of actors who constantly move and perform in different places, since they do not have their own building. Troupes are also associated with a philanthropist, entrepreneur, or creator, and they are called by his name.
From the history of the creation of the first permanent troupe in Moscow
Empress Elizaveta Petrovna issued a decree in 1756, after which the Russian theater was established in St. Petersburg. Soon after, the theater at Moscow University was opened. Students themselves become its actors, and they are led by the director of this very university, poet and playwright M. M. Kheraskov. The existence of this theater was short-lived, but subsequently it was on its basis that the first permanent troupe was formed in Moscow. It consisted of dramatic actors, singers, musicians and dancers. The first few decades after its creation were led by private entrepreneurs, and only in 1806 the troupe transferred to the state account.
The composition of the troupe of the theater
The theater troupe consists of artists who are selected according to the principle of the repertoire of the theater, its system, other creative aspects and nuances of the theater system. Most well-known theatrical figures, directors, actors believe that the composition of the troupe should be a cathedral acting fraternity, with a pronounced team community. The artists who are part of it must cheer for a common cause, be able to transform into a new character with each new performance, each new production.
Briefly about famous theaters in Russia and their troupes
Russia is famous for its theaters, the institutions of St. Petersburg and Moscow are especially famous. In the northern capital of Russia there are about 185 theaters in which their separate troupes work. The most famous among them are the Lensoviet Theater, the Youth Theater on the Fontanka, the Maly and Bolshoi Drama Theater, as well as the Mikhailovsky and Mariinsky Theaters. The Mariinsky Theater is rightfully considered the most popular - it is a symbol of Russian theater culture. On its stage you can see the true masterpieces of domestic and world opera and ballet.
Its leader is V. Gergiev. As for the Mariinsky companies, both opera and ballet, they are recognized as the best in the world. The composition of the troupe of this theater is the most talented artists who have become world stars: O. Borodin, A. Netrebko, U. Lopatkina, D. Vishneva and many others. The visiting card of Russia is undoubtedly the Bolshoi Academic Theater in Moscow. This is the main theater of the country. Actors of the Bolshoi play a repertoire, the musical productions of which are considered world masterpieces.
"The ideal troupe is ..."
What will famous people say? Turning to famous actors, artistic directors of theaters, theater critics with questions: “An ideal troupe - what is it? Does it really exist?”, One can hear different thoughts about this. But basically there was no unequivocal answer to this question. The famous Mark Zakharov, for example, believes that the ideal troupe is different creative individuals, which are connected by a powerful internal energy potential. The troupe should include artists of different ages: young, mature, and even those who are already at an "overripe" age.
Popular actress Julia Rutberg is sure that ideal troupes are created in the student body, in courses, in cellars. Such a group can only be considered as one where people are worried together for one common cause, turning into a real family that even begins to breathe together. Theater critic Yuri Rybakov says that the troupe of the theater should be the right people. These should be universal actors who can play comedy and drama. The troupe of actors should focus on the public and collect daily full houses.
But if you delve deeper into this issue, you agree with Mark Zakharov, who compared the question of the ideal troupe with that if we were talking about the ideal director, actor, theater expert or just the perfect person. There is no such clear designation and cannot be. Therefore, the troupe is undoubtedly a team of talented artists who work together to delight and surprise the audience.