Ruben Simonov: biography and personal life

2024 Author: Leah Sherlock | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 05:25

Ruben Simonov, whose photo is in this article, is a Soviet director and actor. In 1946 he was awarded the title of People's Artist of the USSR. R. Simonov is a laureate of the State and Lenin Prizes and a star of the Russian stage.

Childhood

Ruben Nikolaevich Simonov was born on March 20, 1899 (April 1, according to the new style) in Moscow, into an Armenian family. Father, Simonyants Nikolai Davidovich, was the owner of a carpet store. Due to political sentiments in the country, his surname was Russified. And Nikolai Davidovich became Simonov.

Already in childhood, Ruben was discovered musicality, given by nature. The environment contributed to the development of a sense of rhythm and hearing, as music was constantly playing at home. While still very young, Ruben sang well, played the violin and piano, and wrote poetry.

Education

After school, in 1918, Simonov entered Moscow University, the Faculty of Law. But he completed only the first course. And in 1919 he entered the Chaliapin Studio. Then I saw Vakhtangov's announcement about recruitment to the Mansurov Theater Studio. At that time she was a member of the Artistictheater. And in 1920, Ruben Simonov entered it. In 1946 he became a professor.

Choosing a Life Path

It was in Shalyapin's studio that Ruben Nikolaevich finally decided on the choice of his life path, deciding to become an actor. Then he personally met the director Vakhtangov and became his student. At first he played in performances as a simple actor. But since 1924 he became a novice director. In 1926 the studio became known as the Vakhtangov Theatre. And Ruben Nikolaevich continued to work in it as a director.

First stage steps

Vakhtangov, having first looked at Simonov's performance on stage, and in a dramatic role, immediately determined that he would make an excellent comedic actor. In "Princess Turandot" Ruben Nikolayevich played the role of Truffaldino. Vakhtangov invited Simonov to his place as an assistant in movement and rhythm. The lessons of the famous director laid the foundation for the formation of Ruben Nikolayevich's talent. So, from a simple actor, he became a director.

Creative activity

From 1928 to 1937, Ruben Simonov was the head of the theater studio. He worked with such famous personalities as Lobanov and Rapoport. He worked with many famous artists: Williams, Matrunin, and others. He worked with famous actors: Barsky, Gabovich, Doronin, etc. Many of Simonov's performances were widely known: "Dowry", "Virgin Soil Upturned", etc.

In 1937, the studio-theatre, where Ruben Nikolayevich worked, was merged withMoscow State Youth Theatre. A year later it was called MDT named after Lenin Komsomol. From 1939 until the end of his life, Ruben Simonov worked as the chief director at the Theater. Vakhtangov. He staged many unforgettable performances. And at the Bolshoi Theater of the USSR - several opera productions.

At the same time, Ruben Nikolaevich worked as a teacher at the Shchukin Theater School. Directed the first, second and third Armenian and Uzbek studios in Moscow.

Actor's skill

He had a wide stage range. Ruben Simonov is an actor who easily succeeded in romantic elation, comedic roles and heartfelt lyricism. In the performances in which he played, he always dominated. Simonov had limitless acting skills: plasticity, musicality and voice.

Last role

The role of Domenico Soriano was woven from contradictions: kindness, evil, falseness and sincerity. And Reuben did a great job with it. It was one of his last works. Instant switching to different rhythms and transitions from comedy to drama were mesmerizing. From the side it seemed that Ruben Nikolayevich was saying goodbye to the stage.

It was impossible to look at his game without emotional excitement. And the music that Simonov played on the guitar seemed to captivate the viewer. Together with Ruben Nikolayevich, Mansurova played in the play. Their meeting on stage, as it turned out, was the last.

Director's work

The director's path was no less exciting for Simonov. The emphasis in this profession he didto identify acting abilities, their disclosure, and then already - the full use of the "blooming" talent. Ruben Nikolaevich, like his teachers - Vakhtangov and Stanislavsky - was not only a director, but also an actor. Therefore, I subtly felt the technique and the organics of craftsmanship.

In the performances staged by Ruben Simonov, the actors were co-authors of his creative finds. Therefore, it is no coincidence that he discovered all the new names, which later became unforgettable creative personalities.

Submission to Simonov genres

When Simonov took up directing, he tried to push the genre and thematic boundaries. Few could, like Ruben Nikolaevich, give real life a touch of romance, and a dream - life pragmatism.

Regarding the political situation, Simonov had to be sensitive and give performances according to a consistent ideology. But between them he managed to insert not very passable ones, not quite suitable for censorship. A special combination of different genres could be unnatural for the artist, but not for Ruben Nikolayevich. He only benefited from this.

Last works of Simonov

The Ruben Simonov Theater staged many great performances. And the last works are Cavalry, Warsaw Melody and Princess Turandot. Ruben Nikolaevich dreamed of putting it on for a long time. But because of the cosmopolitan campaign, when many theaters (even the Chamber Theater) were closed, Simonov wanted to act for sure.

These were the times when Vakhtangov's art was banned. Violating itlimited creativity. And the production of "Princess Turandot" could have unpredictable consequences. But it was this performance that Simonov ventured to stage in the early 1960s, on the occasion of Vakhtangov's 80th birthday. Ruben Nikolayevich staged the play without violating its old structure. And soon "Princess Turandot" took to the stage again.

The result of Simonov's creativity can be called "Warsaw Melody". This performance was staged based on the play by Zorin in 1967. The play is about prohibitions on marriages between different nationalities. It touches on many moral and political issues. For his creative work, Ruben Nikolayevich not only supported the traditions of the Vakhtangov Theater, but also lit up his path to the future with his talent.

Ruben Simonov: personal life and death of the director

Simonov Ruben Nikolaevich was married twice. The first wife, Elena Berseneva, worked as an actress at the Vakhtangov Theater. But she died very early. The second time Simonov married Svetlana Jimbinova, who worked as a theater director. Ruben Nikolaevich had a son, who was named Evgeny. He became a People's Artist of the Soviet Union.

Simonov managed to become a grandfather during his lifetime. A grandson was named after him. Moreover, he retained the family tradition that had already become. Reuben Jr. also became an actor. Simonov died in Moscow on December 5, 1968. He was buried at the Novodevichy Cemetery, at site number two.

Awards and titles

Simonov Ruben Nikolaevich was awarded the Stalin Prize three times - the first (2 times) and the second degree. BUTalso received the Lenin Prize for modern and classical plays staged at the MADT. Ruben Nikolayevich was awarded several orders (including those of Lenin) and medals. Simonov R. N. received the title of People's Artist of the Soviet Union.