For more than 85 years, the Moscow State Theater Lenkom has been delighting viewers with its extraordinary productions, many of which are recognized as true masterpieces of Soviet and Russian theater art.
The opening of the next anniversary season was marked by the premiere of the performance of Gleb Panfilov “Lies for the Savior”. “Lenkom”, reviews about which visit are most often positive, and this time did not disappoint theater-goers, especially since its most famous stars shone on the stage. Even those who have repeatedly seen productions based on the drama by A. Casona “Trees Die Standing”, claim that they discovered it for themselves from a completely new perspective. Why did the performance conquer the audience so much?
"Lenkom." “Falsehood”: plot
Gleb Panfilov changed not only the name of the play, but also added several scenes. All events unfold around an elderly couple. They have the only grandson who once committed a serious misconduct, for which he was kicked out of the house by his grandfather. More than 20 years have passed since then, but the grandmother continues to wait for news from her grandson who left for Canada. Over time, the woman yearns more and more, and her husband, Senor Balboa, begins to send her fake letters. In them, he painted the happy life of a grandson who was educated, married and achieved great success. Moreover, fearing that his lie in salvation will be revealed, his grandfather hires actors who should portray his grandson and his wife, who have come to visit their beloved grandmother.
Thus, a new scene appears in the play in the office, where they sell "fairy tales for adults" and you can order performers for any role.
In the finale, a real “bad” grandson appears, demanding to give him an inheritance. Grandmother understands what's what, and kicks him out. The young man is killed by unknowns, most likely due to the dark affairs he did overseas. The elderly Senor Balboa, bending over the body of a relative, forgives him and dies with him.
In the original play of Cason, there are no such tragic scenes. However, Panfilov most likely decided to strengthen the melodramatic effect in order to prove that a lie is always bad.
Inna Churikova
Her creative and conjugal tandem with Gleb Panfilov has a long and successful history. Therefore, it is not surprising that the play (“Lenkom”) “Lies for the Sake” was created specifically for Inna Churikova, who played in the theater named after The Leninist Komsomol has many interesting roles.
The previous significant work of the actress was the image of Alienora of Aquitaine, which, according to critics, she undoubtedly succeeded. The role of Eugen Balboa can also be attributed to her creative achievements. It’s enough to say that when the production of “Lies for salvation” (“Lenkom”) is discussed, the reviews primarily speak of Churikova’s excellent game. The audience is especially impressed by the last monologue of Euchen, which she pronounces before her death. Churikova manages to so vividly portray the suffering of her grandmother, who saw her grandson dying, that many of those present in the hall hardly hold back their tears. And this happens in almost every performance!
Victor Rakov
What else is interesting about “Falsehood” (the play)? “Lenkom” (reviews of many famous artists allow us to say this with all confidence) for many opened the door to a new life full of ups and downs, dramatic events and exciting love experiences, with which the stage is so rich ... The production under consideration was another achievement of Viktor Viktorovich , known to viewers for its many roles in cinema and theater. At least that's what critics and most theatergoers say. He makes a worthy couple to Inna Churikova and makes you believe in true, high love between Signora and Signor Balboa, which even justifies a lie.
Having occupied Rakov in the play, Panfilov gave his brainchild a great deal of modernity, since his "old" youths are completely different from their grandfather and grandmother, who were usually represented by other directors who staged Alejandro Casona's work.
Supporters
Want to see the young actors of the Lenkom Theater? “Lies for salvation", reviews of which also apply to their game, will provide you with such an opportunity. The play includes Esther Lamzina, Sergey Alexandrov, Anna Zaykova, Vitaly Borovik, Elena Stepanova, Igor Konyakhin, Irina Serova, Alexei Polyakov and Ksenia Baburkina. Some of them came to Lenkom relatively recently. “Lies for salvation” (critics' reviews of this production are mostly positive) became a great opportunity for them to play together with the great Churikova, but not everyone, even an eminent artist, can survive such a partnership! It is therefore not surprising that many viewers were disappointed with the work of youth. At the same time, the images of the secretary and wife of the “grandson” were noted as successful.
Scenery and decoration
The performance takes place in Barcelona. This is where the house of Signor Balboa is located. Good taste in everything has always been the hallmark of the Lenkom Theater. “Lies for salvation" (reviews see below) is a performance whose scenery is admirable. They are made in a traditional style and make the viewer feel like participants in a stage performance. In addition, Panfilov placed 4 screens in the hall to demonstrate close-ups. Thus, even from the last rows, you can watch the facial expressions of the heroes and see what is happening on the stage in great detail.
Performance ("Lenkom") "Lies for salvation": audience reviews
The Moscow audience is spoiled by good performances. And the guests of the capital, who decided to visit the theater, always expect to see a masterpiece, therefore they have high requirements for the performances for which they buy a ticket.
If we also take into account that each viewer has his own idea of the beautiful, and the play “The Trees Die While Standing” was staged in Russia dozens of times, then it’s clear that we cannot expect unambiguous reviews.
In any case, as already mentioned, almost everyone who decided to share their opinions on the new production of Lenkom celebrate the magnificent game of Inna Churikova. Less enthusiastic reviews are addressed to Victor Rakov. Perhaps the viewer is difficult to perceive the actor, who recently turned 53 years old, in the role of an old man.
As for the young people involved in the production, the audience believes that this is not the best shift for veterans of whom Lenk is proud.
“Lies for salvation” (there are diametrically opposite reviews of the performance) is still worth a look, if only to appreciate the innovative techniques of Gleb Panfilov that he brought from the movie site.