Small Theater in Ordynka: past and present

Russian culture is famous for its actors, directors, authors. The pride of the theater is the Small Theater in Ordynka, which also has a rich history.

The Birth of the Theater

Empress Ekaterina Petrovna, who was so fond of theatrical art, issued a decree in 1756, thanks to which a Russian theater was established in St. Petersburg. At the same time, a theater opened in Moscow, the actors of which were students. Already in 1759 the public Russian theater created in Moscow was transferred to the Moscow University. It was managed by the director of the university, the playwright, the poet Kheraskov. The existence of the institution was short-lived, but it was on its basis later formed a permanent Moscow actor's troupe.

Theater of the late XVIII and early XIX century

For several decades, the Moscow troupe, which included actors, singers, dancers, musicians, was supported by private entrepreneurs. Longer than the other entrepreneur was ME Medox. In 1780 he built a large theater called Petrovsky, which is located on Petrovskaya Square. Since 1806 the whole company began to exist at public expense, it was included in the system of imperial theaters. Shortly before this moment, a fire broke out in the Petrovsky Theater, the troupe began to work in Pashkov's house, which was adapted for the theater, then at the Arbat Gate, then at Znamenka in Apraksin's house. Only in the season of 1824-1825 the Imperial troupe found its permanent home - the name of which is the Small Theater. The house of the merchant Vargin was rebuilt by the architect Beauvais, on October 14 the first performance took place.

History

In 1914, architect Spirin created a project in which "Kino-Palace" on Bolshaya Ordynka was rebuilt into the theater of Struysky. This building for the most part visited the population of Zamoskvorechye. Soon it was transformed into the Theater of Miniatures. After the revolution of 1917 the theater was nationalized by the Bolsheviks. On stage there were various troupes that represented performances of many trends. In 1922, the theater of the Zamoskvoretsky Council was established here. Three years later it was named the Moscow Theater of the Leningrad City Council. Only in 1943, during the war, there was formed a branch of the Maly Theater in Ordynka. The first performance took place on January 1, 1944, according to Ostrovsky's play "On a Strong Place". The first premiere took place on January 25, 1944, it was a performance "Engineer Sergeev."

Theater Name

It can be seen from the history that the Small Theater in Ordynka began to be so called solely because of its size. The building was small in comparison with the neighboring Bolshoi Theater, which was intended for opera and ballet performances. Soon the name "Small", like the "Big", turned into a proper name. Now these names all over the world sound exactly in Russian. The repertoire of the Maly Theater in Ordynka consisted of performances based on the works of great Russian classics: Pushkin, Gogol, Griboyedov, Turgenev, Ostrovsky. Also, the audience was represented by Shakespeare and Schiller. Of all the foreign authors, they were given the greatest preference. Along with serious performances, the scene of the Maly Theater in Ordynka enticed viewers with an easy repertoire, these were melodramas, vaudevilles.

Theater during the war

During the Second World War, the Small Theater in Ordynka took an active part in the struggle against the fascist invaders. The theatrical company contributed to the great victory. The actors entered the front brigades, spoke to soldiers in hospitals, military units. In 1943 the Front branch was even formed. Before the team was set one task - the artistic service of fighters of the Soviet Army. In total, the Maly Theater and its Front Office gave more than 2,700 concerts and performances. All the funds accumulated by the team were directed to the construction of a squadron of aircraft, which was transferred to the active army. In 1944-1945 this squadron successfully smashed fascists in the sky of East Prussia.

The Small Theater of Our Time

Someone will find it mystical that the theater staff believes that a modest, strict building preserves the aura of old, long-gone great artists. Spirits guard and preserve the theater in the most difficult times. They preserved it in the days of post-revolutionary lawlessness at the beginning of the 20th century, helped not to disappear in the dashing war years. Despite rapid life changes, crises, instability, the theater exists always.

In 1995, the Small Theater in Ordynka opened after the repair scene. Performances to this day are on both stages. To date, the repertoire of the troupe is still rich in classical works. The basis is Ostrovsky's plays. The troupe of Maly includes well-known folk artists Bystritskaya, Kayurov, Korshunov, Martsevich, Muraveva, Klyuev, Nevzorov, Bochkarev, Klukvin, Potapov and many others. The troupe employs more than one hundred artists. In general, the Maly Theater has more than 700 people. The theater has its own orchestra, where the musicians of the highest class work. The troupe often gives performances in other countries and cities. Tour countries include countries such as Finland, Italy, France, Germany, Israel, Japan, Greece, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Hungary, Mongolia and many others. By the decree of the President of Russia, the Maly Theater received the status of a national treasure.