Masquerade
The Vakhtangov State Academic Theatre of Russia
Featuring music by the legendary Soviet composer Aram KHACHATURIAN

“Mercurially brilliant import from Moscow’s Vakhtangov Theatre.”
The Guardian (UK)

“A tragic farce, a sad commedia dell’arte turned to our days whirling to the sounds of Khachaturian Waltz.”
Golos Rossii

“It is a fast-moving, snowy and avid performance, if avidity means the burning desire for passion.”
The Theatrical Magazine

The legendary Vakhtangov Theatre from Moscow returns with the production that will sweep you off your feet and into a storm of intrigue, hidden truths, and heaps of snow.

Based on the writings of one of the most important Russian poets of the 19^th century, Mikhail Lermontov, the tragifarce Masquerade uncovers the moralities of modern society where everyone wears a mask. Take a peek behind the curtain and discover scandalous love affairs and squandered opportunities; expose lies, reveal truths, and discover that words can kill. Literally.

Visionary Lithuanian director Rimas Tuminas, adds his signature style to Masquerade. A sad Commedia dell’Arte with opulent costumes and entrancing music, all set against mysterious, snowy Saint-Petersburg. Often compared to Shakespeare’s Othello, Masquerade is a ruthless and ribald study of jealousy and pride within a gossip-ridden community, portrayed by a cast of Russia’s most celebrated actors. Believe nothing you hear and only half of what you see.

CREATIVE TEAM:

• Author: Mikhail Lermontov
• Director: Rimas Tuminas
• Stage Designer: Admonas Jacovskis
• Costume Designer: Maxim Obrezkov
• Composer: Faustas Latenas
• Lighting Designer: Maya Shavdatuashvili 

CAST:

• Arbenin Evgeny Aleksandrovich: Evgeny Knyazev
• Nina, his wife: Maria Volkova / Olga Nemogay
• Prince Zvezdich: Leonid Bichevin
• Baroness Shtral: Lidia Velezhova
• Kazarin Afanasy Pavlovich: Alexander Pavlov / Alexander Ryshchenkov
• Shprikh Adam Petrovich: Mikhail Vaskov / Andrei Zaretskiy
• Stranger: Yury Shlykov
• Servant, Winter man: Victor Dobronravov / Oleg Lopuhov
• Gamblers and guests: Anna Antonova, Vladimir Beldiyan, Maria Berdinskikh, Mikhail Vaskov, Irina Dymchenko, Andrei Zaretskiy, Evgeny Kosyrev, Yury Kraskov, Alexander Pavlov, Alexander Ryshchenkov, Ekaterina Simonova, Alexandra Streltsina, Vasilisa Sukhanova, Maria Shastina, Eugeny Pilugin.