The messenger logo

Theater is still alive…

By Ekaterine Tchelidze
Monday, December 30
Griboedov Russian State Drama Theater once again proved its status as being “The Best Russian Theater Abroad” during the premier of Cinderella on December 27. The play was part of a holiday season program for kids. After the performance, the theater distributed special gifts to the young visitors.

The play, directed by Avtandil Varsimashvili, was a combination of classical fairy-tale episodes and contemporary musical elements. Thus, the spectators could recognize songs from both the original version of the play, as well as from the modern Russian popular music repertoire. The high-quality skills of the actors, as well as the witty and amusing comments of their characters were not left unappreciated – even by adults.

The theater annually organizes similar programs, consisting of various performances for children. According to the director, it is crucial for the acting troupe to create a magic holiday spirit for the audience and gain respect of the younger viewers.

“Every year we invest our energy, finances and talent in order for kids to enjoy a good performance. I am perfectly aware of the fact that for most visitors, it was first time in the theatre today. Thus, it was very important to show them joy and create a holiday spirit. It is not just another performance for us, it is a feast,” Varsimashvili said.

According to him, the rehearsals went smoothly. Firstly, because of the excellence of the artistic skills of the troupe; and secondly, because all the actors enjoyed creating the show.

“We have a really good troupe and we know each other very well. We were happy to create a performance for children. It was very important for our theatre,” he said.

There are more than nine Christmas performances scheduled for the upcoming month. The troupe will perform new plays along with the ones from the old repertoire. Approximately 2,000 kids will visit the theater in the coming days.

Griboedov Russian State Theater is the oldest in Georgia, with the troupe consisting of 54 actors as of now. It was awarded the title of “The Best Russian Theater Abroad” on December 2. This reward proved the fact that even in the Age of Technology, theater remains one of the most important means of cultural development not only in Georgia, but also in most of its neighbor states.