Artyom Ustinov's A Doll's House Captivates from Magadan to Moscow
Artyom Ustinov has directed a new staging of A Doll’s House for the Magadan State Music and Drama Theater. The production has since travelled to Moscow, where it was performed at Nikita Mikhalkov’s Workshop 12. Ustinov sees the show’s growing audience and ongoing success as its greatest achievement. The journey of A Doll’s House began in Magadan, where the production quickly became a hit with local audiences. Its popularity led the Magadan Theater to submit the play to the prestigious Golden Mask Festival. They also organised a tour, bringing the show to a wider stage.
Before the Moscow performance, Ustinov held a full dress rehearsal to refine the production. Yet, by the time they reached the capital, he found the cast had deepened their understanding of the roles—often surpassing his own vision. This growth reassured him that no major changes were necessary.
Ustinov’s primary aim in bringing the play to Moscow was to support the Magadan Theater. The production’s ability to connect with audiences, both in its home city and beyond, remains his most rewarding outcome. The production continues to attract large crowds in Magadan, proving its lasting appeal. With its festival submission and successful tour, the theater has strengthened its reputation. For Ustinov, the show’s resonance with viewers confirms its artistic and cultural value.