The daily worker. [volume] (Chicago, Ill.) 1924-1958, 1928-05-12
NEW ERA FOR LITTLE
THEATRE OF MOSCOW


founded 104 years ago. By its tend
ency it is a theatre of artistic truth,
and of realism. 1t was never given
over to pure aestheticism.
The activity of the Little Theatre
was always based on service to pub
lie ideals in their different express
sions and contents through the vari-
Gus periods in Russian history.
A study Of the theological paths
traversed by the Little Theatre might
furnish the basis for a peculiar the
/ DRY of the ups and downs in its art
istic life, showing that such vicissi-
tudes were intimately interlaced with
analogous changes in the social life
of the country. In view of this pecu-
liar feature, this perpetual and faith
full service to social ideas, the activ-
ity of the Little Theatre may justly
be considered as fact Of tremendous
Importance Lot only in the history of
the Russian theatre, but also in the
history of the entire Russian culture.
"In Moscow there are two universe
ties: the one on the Mokhovaya, and
the Little Theatre, such used to be
the current saying in Russian society
in the 70's and SOS, and it was IN
questionably true saying.
The October revolution opened up
a new era in the life of the Little
Theatre. Having retained it's classical
position during the first revolutionary
years, so to speak, maintaining ben
evolent neutrality on questions of So
cial politics, the Little Theatre sub
sequently began timidly to feel for
new paths and new themes, and in
late years it has firmly taken up the
path of service to contemporary life,
thus taking decisive step forward
in the intricate process of its trem-
endous and difficult internal evolu-
ton.
Theatre Social Factor.
"The most interesting thing about
this theatre, said Lunartcharsky in
regard to the Little Theatre, sis that
it, compels discussion not only as
definite art, not merely as talented
and interesting show, but as a social
factor, as a minor refleeting in its
own way the stirring images of our
times"
From the classic plays, through
Lunartcharsky and Smolin, to. the
modern playwrights Glebov, Trenev
and -Belotserkovsky, such has
been the evolution in the repertoire of
the Little Theatre during the last ten
years.
"The Bears Wedding" "Ivan Koz-
ry," 1.-THE Granary," "Steer to the
Left" "Velvet and Rags" "Arakt-
cheyev," "Notre Dame de Paris"
"The Wayside Inn," "Lyubov Yaro-
vaya," and finally, "1917," such has
been the repertoire of the Little The
atre during the last seasons, and in
each of these plays was portrayed the
theme of the political struggle, or the
clash of classes, outlooks and interests,
or finally, the tragedy of the ,indi-
vidual who got out of touch with his
environment.
In each new production of the Little
Theatre could be clearly seen the in
tricate evolution of the modern theme,
the growing development of complex
psychological and theological motives,
and the enrichment of the theatre with
new artistic methods in the treatment
of modern subjects.
Such are the principles upon which
Il 7 loN ia hn
problems of it's repertoire plan in the
last seasons. Lack of space will not
permit us here to deal minutely with
all of the productions enumerated
above.
Many New Plays Produced.
Among the new plays to be produced
during the current season should be
mentioned "Hussars and Pigeons" by
Wolkenstein, which portrays in the
form of a social farce the dark pages
of the past history of the reign OF
Alexander |.
Along with plays by modern writ
ers reflecting the contemporary
events, the Little Theatre stages also
plays belonging to the classic roper
toire.
Among these should be mentioned
the production of "The Wayside Inn"
by Ostrovsky. 1t is not merely re-
vival of Ostrovskys play, but rather
an adaptation to the present time by
means of a careful selection of the So
cial types and personages.
In order to attract the rising gen.
Grafton, the Little Theatre gives spe-
cial matinee shows on Sundays and
holidays, the repertoire of which COM
prises both Russian and foreign plays
(Von Win, Griboyedov, Gogol, Tur-
genev, Ostrovsky, Beaumarchais,
Schiller, Scribe, and so on).
The Theatre has also branch
house in the working class district
known as the Safonov Memorial The
atre.) The performances at the