Primorye's Theatres Celebrate World Theatre Day with Free Performances and Tours
March 27 – World Theatre Day: Primorye's Theatres Treat Audiences to Surprises
To mark World Theatre Day, Primorye's devotees of Melpomene have prepared a series of surprises for audiences. The Primorsky Krai Academic Gorky Drama Theatre invited spectators to an open rehearsal of The Dresser, a drama staged on its Small Stage based on the eponymous play by British playwright Ronald Harwood. The event was part of Theatre Arts Night, a regional initiative held across Primorye's theatres and cultural institutions with support from the local Ministry of Culture and Archives.
"One does not work in the theatre—one serves it," People's Artist of Russia Vladimir Sergyakov reminded the audience, quoting the famous adage.
In The Dresser, Sergyakov plays Sir John, a provincial theatre star and idol of generations—a despotic, irascible man blind to the loyalty of those around him. The actor, having caused a public scandal on the street, ends up in hospital just before the premiere of King Lear.
Set in Britain in 1942, the play unfolds against the backdrop of war, yet the theatre carries on. Sir John's devoted dresser, Norman, remains convinced that the show will go on.
Director Vadim Dantsinger meticulously refines every detail with the cast. Milady (Valeria Zaporozhets)—the troupe's prima donna and Sir John's companion—enters the dressing room and strikes up a conversation with Norman (Nikolai Timoshenko). The director explains how to stress a phrase correctly, why it's better to knock on wood than on one's forehead, and what to do with a coat—hang it up or toss it on the floor. A young prompter sits in the auditorium, ready to feed lines.
The production comes together piece by piece. When the lead actor appears, he—true to his character—scowls at the wrong armchair on stage and is assured his preferred prop will be returned.
"We wanted to show how deeply we connect with this story," says director Vadim Dantsinger. "World theatre knows no borders. We're all afflicted with the same passion for the stage, and we see the world through the same artistic principles."
"We're only halfway there, but with each passing day, working on this material becomes more fascinating," admits Honored Artist of Russia Nikolai Timoshenko.
Theatre Arts Night marks the 150th anniversary of the Russian Union of Theatre Workers. On March 27, before nightfall, cultural venues across the region opened their doors, offering unusual tours, masterclasses, and vibrant performances. The initiative was backed by the Primorye Ministry of Culture and Archives.
Joining the project were the Primorsky Youth Drama Theatre, the Eastern Military District Drama Theatre in Ussuriysk, and the library in the village of Chernigovka.
"Night of Theater Arts is a chance to see theater from a different angle. Projects like these help bring culture closer and make it more accessible to the region's residents," emphasized Yelena Bronnikova, Minister of Culture and Archives of Primorsky Krai.
