The new stage of the Bolshoi Theater - an intriguing metamorphosis or a continuation of traditions?

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

The Bolshoi Theater in Moscow enjoys genuine love and unconditional respect from the audience of the whole world. The repertoire productions of his highly professional troupe are often ambiguously evaluated by critics and avid theatergoers, but invariably arouse well-deserved interest. The new stage of the Bolshoi Theater also attracted increased public attention.

Foundation of the famous theater

The birthday of the Bolshoi Theater is considered to be March 28, 1776 - the date of signing by Catherine II of the Decree providing for the maintenance of entertainment facilities and events, including performances and balls. Prince Urusov Petr Vasilyevich, the provincial prosecutor, who had his own troupe, was instructed by the empress to erect a theater building within five years, which could decorate Moscow buildings. The building of the first theater burned down even before the opening, immediately after its construction. The ruined Prince Urusov was forced to transfer his rights and "privilege" to conduct business to his partner Michael Medox. An English entrepreneur built a majestic theater building, which is safelystood for a quarter of a century and completely burned out in October 1805.

A lot of performances on mythological subjects, a number of Russian and Italian operas, dance sketches on the theme of Russian folk life, as well as divertissement balls were staged on its stage. The new stage of the Bolshoi Theater continues to fully continue the traditions of the Russian theater, expanding its boundaries and giving them a new interpretation.

New history of the Bolshoi Theater

The further history of this theater continued only after the victory in the war against Napoleon - in 1816. In May of the aforementioned year, Alexander I approved the project for the creation of Theater Square, and the following year, the theater project, which disappeared without a trace on the eve of its approval. Instead of the lost drawings, the architect O. I. Bove presented a new building plan, and in 1821 its construction began. The grand opening of the new theater took place in January 1825. The people began to call the huge building with Apollo erected on it the Colosseum.

The alabaster sculpture of Apollo, which died in a fire in 1853, was replaced during the restoration of the theater in 1856 with a bronze quadriga by P. Klodt. This symbol of the Bolshoi Theater is still depicted on posters. The opening of the familiar building, which has become one of the sights of Moscow, took place simultaneously with the coronation of Alexander II.

The Bolshoi Theater in Moscow: contemporary performance

Repeated subsequent renovations contributed tothe gradual loss of the famous appearance of the building. A large-scale reconstruction, conceived in the early 2000s, aimed to bring the theater's appearance closer to the original. The new stage of the Bolshoi Theatre, opened in October 2002, became the venue for all performances during the restoration work in the historic building. The revival of the famous look was carried out from July 2005 to October 2011. The new theater is equipped with the latest technology.

Pros of the main scene after reconstruction

The main attention during the reconstruction was paid to the acoustic characteristics of the main stage, because the hall of the Bolshoi Theater was distinguished by its unique audibility both in the stalls, in the front rows, and in the gallery. Symbols of the Soviet era were completely removed from the premises, and the golden curtain was reconstructed and literally re-woven.

The luxury of the restored interiors is striking, including murals and stucco work using gold leaf, as well as Venetian mosaics and antique-style mirrors.

Amazing aristocracy

The new stage of the Bolshoi Theater is located slightly to the left of the historical building located on Theater Square. In the building, built over seven years (1995-2002), excellent conditions have been created for spectators and artists. The flight of creative imagination of directors and all staff is facilitated by modern technical devices that allow creating the brightest images and non-trivially colorful productions.

The interior of the theater is designed in pale terracotta and greenish soothing noble tones with gold splashes. The floor covering is a marble mosaic and floor parquets made of precious woods. An amazing winter garden delights the eyes of the audience, and magnificent crystal chandeliers give special solemnity to the interior space.

Comfortable viewing for everyone

The scheme of the new stage of the Bolshoi Theater clearly shows the distribution of 900 seats between the stalls, the amphitheater, the first tier and the mezzanine. According to permanent theatrical spectators, the most convenient rows for a comfortable viewing of the performance are located in the stalls and the amphitheater. However, other places are in high demand due to their relative cheapness.

The majestic atmosphere of the main and new halls puts them on a par with the most famous theaters in the world. But the most important thing is the unique theatrical repertoire created by the best theater artists, directors, conductors and artists, which invariably enjoys the admiration of the public.