Ruben Simonov, whose photo is in this article, is a Soviet director and actor. In 1946, he was awarded the title of People's Artist of the USSR. R. Simonov is a laureate of the State and Lenin Prizes and a star of the national scene.
Childhood
Ruben Nikolaevich Simonov was born on March 20th, 1899 (according to the new style of Dr. R. April 1) in Moscow, in an Armenian family. Father, Nikolay Simonyants, was the owner of a carpet store. Due to the political mood in the country, his last name was Russified. And Nikolai Davidovich became Simonov.
Already in childhood, Ruben discovered musicality given by nature. The environment contributed to the development of a sense of rhythm and hearing, as music was constantly played at home. While still very young, Ruben sang well, played the violin and piano and wrote poetry.
Education
After school, in 1918, Simonov entered the Moscow University, at the Faculty of Law. But he finished only the first course. And in 1919 he entered the studio named after Chaliapin. Then I saw Vakhtangov’s announcement of recruitment to the Mansurov Theater Studio. At that time she was part of the Art Theater. And in 1920, Ruben Simonov entered it. In 1946, he became a professor.
Choosing a Life Path
It was in the studio of Chaliapin that Ruben Nikolaevich finally decided on the choice of his life path, deciding to become an actor. Then he met personally with the director Vakhtangov and became his student. At first he played in performances as a simple actor. But since 1924 he became a novice director. In 1926, the studio became known as the Vakhtangov Theater. And Ruben Nikolaevich continued to work in it as a director.
First stage steps
Vakhtangov, for the first time looking at the game of Simonov on stage, and in a dramatic role, immediately determined that he would make an excellent comedian. In "Princess Turandot," Ruben Nikolaevich played the role of Truffaldino. Vakhtangov invited Simonov to his place as an assistant in movement and rhythm. The lessons of the famous director laid the foundation for the formation of Ruben Nikolaevich's talent. So, from a simple actor, he became a director.
Creative activity
From 1928 to 1937, Ruben Simonov was the head of the studio theater. He worked with such famous personalities as Lobanov and Rapoport. He worked with many famous artists: Williams, Matrunin and others. He worked with famous actors: Barsky, Gabovich, Doronin, etc. Many of Simonov’s performances became widely known: “Bride”, “Virgin Soil Upturned”, etc.
In 1937, the studio theater, in which Ruben Nikolaevich worked, was merged with the Moscow State Youth Theater. A year later, he was called the MDT named after the Lenin Komsomol. From 1939 until the end of his life, Ruben Simonov worked as the main director in the Theater. Vakhtangov. He put on many unforgettable performances. And at the Bolshoi Theater of the USSR - several opera productions.
At the same time, Ruben Nikolaevich worked as a teacher at the Schukin Theater School. He directed the first, second and third Armenian and Uzbek studios in Moscow.
Actor skill
He owned a wide stage range. Ruben Simonov is an actor who easily succeeded in romantic elation, comedic roles and soulful lyricism. In the performances in which he played, he always dominated. Simonov had unlimited acting abilities: plastic, musicality and voice.
Last role
The role of Domenico Soriano was woven from contradictions: kindness, evil, falsehood and sincerity. And Ruben dealt with her splendidly. This was one of his last works. Instant switching to different rhythms and transitions from comedy to drama fascinated. From the side it seemed that Ruben Nikolaevich was saying goodbye to the scene.
It was impossible to look at his game without emotional excitement. And the music that Simonov played on the guitar seemed to captivate the viewer. Together with Ruben Nikolaevich, Mansurova played in the play. Their meeting on stage, as it turned out, was the last.
Directorial activity
The director's path was no less exciting for Simonov. The emphasis in this profession he made on the identification of acting abilities, their disclosure, and then - the full use of "blossoming" talent. Ruben Nikolaevich, like his teachers - Vakhtangov and Stanislavsky - was not only a director, but also an actor. Therefore, he subtly felt the technique and organics of craftsmanship.
In the performances directed by Ruben Simonov, the actors were co-authors of his creative finds. Therefore, it is not accidental that he discovered new names that later became unforgettable creative personalities.
Submission to Simonov genres
When Simonov began directing, he tried to push the genre and thematic framework. Few could, like Ruben Nikolayevich, give real life a touch of romance, and dream life pragmatism.
Regarding the political situation, Simonov was obliged to be sensitive and give performances according to a consistent ideology. But between them he managed to insert not very passable, not quite suitable for censorship. A special combination of different genres could be unnatural to the artist, but not to Ruben Nikolaevich. He only benefited from this.
Recent works by Simonov
The Ruben Simonov Theater staged a number of magnificent performances. And the last works are Konarmia, Warsaw Melody and Princess Turandot. Ruben Nikolaevich dreamed of putting her for a long time. But due to the cosmopolitan campaign, when many theaters (even Kamerny) were closed, Simonov wanted to act for sure.
These were the times when Vakhtangov’s art was banned. Those who violated it were threatened by the restriction of creative activity. And the production of "Princess Turandot" could have unpredictable consequences. But it was precisely this performance that Simonov risked staging in the early 60s, to the 80th anniversary of Vakhtangov. Ruben Nikolaevich staged the play without violating its old construction. And soon “Princess Turandot” took to the stage again.
The result of the work of Simonov can be called "Warsaw melody." This performance was staged on the play of Zorin in 1967. A play on the prohibitions on marriage between different nationalities. It addresses many moral and political issues. For his creative work, Ruben Nikolaevich not only supported the traditions of the Vakhtangov Theater, but also illuminated his path to the future with his talent.
Ruben Simonov: personal life and death of the director
Simonov Ruben Nikolaevich was married twice. The first wife, Elena Berseneva, worked at the Vakhtangov Theater as an actress. But she died very early. The second time, Simonov married Svetlana Dzhimbinova, who worked as a theater director. Ruben Nikolaevich had a son, who was named Eugene. He became a people's artist of the Soviet Union.
Simonov managed to become a grandfather during his lifetime. A grandson was named in his honor. Moreover, he retained the already established family tradition. Ruben Jr. also became an actor. Simonov died in Moscow on December 5, 1968. He was buried in the Novodevichy cemetery, on site number two.
Awards and titles
Simonov Ruben Nikolaevich was awarded the Stalin Prize three times - the first (2 times) and second degree. And he also received Leninsky for his modern and classical plays staged at the MADT. Ruben Nikolaevich was awarded several orders (including Lenin) and medals. Simonov R. N. received the title of People's Artist of the Soviet Union.