The State Academic Small Theatre, one of the oldest theatres in Russia, has played an important role in the development of national culture. Even today, it attracts many viewers thanks to its talented actors and classic repertoire. The theatre is led by Yuri Solomin, a People's Artist of the USSR.

Special attention is given to the works of A.N. Ostrovsky, but the repertoire also includes plays by classics such as A.S. Pushkin, N.V. Gogol, L.N. Tolstoy, A.P. Chekhov, and A.S. Griboedov.

History of the Small Theatre

The theatre opened its doors in 1824, but as Yuri Solomin notes, this is just the date of the building's opening; the theatre itself began its activities long before that, even before the Bolshoi Theatre appeared. Its history is linked to the Age of Enlightenment and the reign of Empress Elizabeth Petrovna, who played a key role in its establishment.

Elizabeth Petrovna, fascinated by European theatre, contributed to the development of stage art in Russia. French and Italian productions were actively discussed at the imperial court, which prepared the ground for cultural enlightenment. Productions of Shakespeare, Molière, and domestic authors such as Volkova and Sumarokov became popular in Moscow.

The decree establishing a professional Russian theatre was signed on August 30, 1756, marking the beginning of the Small Theatre's history.

The first troupe of the Free Theatre was formed at Moscow University under the guidance of playwright M.M. Kheraskov. It included students from the university gymnasium, and both free and serf actors performed on stage. The repertoire mainly consisted of plays by Sumarokov, who became the theatre's director by the empress's decree.

The Petrovsky Theatre, designed by Michael Medox, became home to the troupe, where plays, operas, and ballets were staged. The theatre's popularity grew so much that audiences began to book tickets and subscribe for seats. However, the building burned down after 25 years, leaving the troupe without a stage.

A year later, the troupe was granted imperial status, but it only acquired a new building in 1824. A new structure was built on the site of the burned Petrovsky Theatre, which became the foundation for the Bolshoi Theatre, while the Small Theatre was located in the mansion of merchant Vargin, rented by the Directorate of Imperial Theatres.

The building has undergone numerous reconstructions, and it acquired its modern appearance after renovations in the second half of the 20th century and work from 2014 to 2017. Despite the changes, the theatre staff honors its history.

Comparison of the Small and Bolshoi Theatres

The name "Small Theatre" was originally not capitalized, as it was not the official name. Against the backdrop of the Bolshoi Theatre, the Small Theatre building appeared more modest, but soon both names became proper nouns.

The histories of the Bolshoi and Small Theatres are closely intertwined. Until 1824, genres were mixed, and artists performed in both directions. They shared decorations and workshops, and the buildings were connected by an underground passage, which is now closed.

"The College of the Immortals"

The theatre that existed under Osip Bove underwent many changes, but its strict classicism still corresponds to the repertoire. Actors and directors change, but adherence to traditions remains an important part of the theatre. Modern artists say that the building is charged with the energy of great people, and history lives here through time.

Great artists such as Shchepkin, Mochalov, A.P. Lensky, A.A. Yablochkina, and many others have performed on the stage of the Small Theatre. The spirit of the theatre is maintained by generations of actors, thanks to the leadership of Yuri Solomin, who preserves these values.

The theatre's repertoire also includes plays by European authors such as É. Zola, C. Goldoni, and Edmond Rostand. Artists often tour, visiting countries in Europe and other regions.

A Tribute to the Ancestors

Ostrovsky often visited the Small Theatre, where all his plays were staged. During rehearsals, he gave advice to the actors. In his honor, sculptor Nikolai Andreev erected a monument, and the theatre was nicknamed "Ostrovsky's House."

A portrait of Shchepkin, painted by Ilya Repin, adorns the Shchepkin foyer. During the October Revolution, the painting was damaged but was later restored and is now kept behind glass.

Pavel Mochalov, known for his role in "Woe from Wit," also left a mark in the theatre's history. His portrait hangs in the foyer, and his talent was highly appreciated by his contemporaries.

***

The Small Theatre continues its activities. New actors perform the roles of Chatsky, Othello, Tikhon, and Khlestakov, and new productions of Ostrovsky and Griboedov are staged. This place remains a portal to the world of classics, where one can escape from the urban hustle. Residents and guests of Moscow should visit the Small Theatre to enjoy the beauty of Russian stage art.

Address: Moscow, Teatralny Proezd, 1

"The Small Theatre! ... This is the Russian Academy of Sciences! This is the College of the Immortals!" - Alexander Amphiteatrov