2024 Author: Leah Sherlock | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 05:25
"Tsar Fyodor Ioannovich" is a play created in 1868. This is part of a dramatic trilogy that tells about the Time of Troubles, about the conflict between power and goodness. This play is the second in a trilogy. For 30 years, the work created by A. Tolstoy ("Tsar Fyodor Ioannovich") was under the ban of censorship. The Moscow Art Theater opened with this drama in 1898.
The theme of the trilogy and its disclosure in each of the parts
The main theme of the trilogy is how the monarchy leads the state to turmoil. Ivan the Terrible is a despotic tsar who unites the country. He mercilessly punishes and kills. This theme is central in the first part of the trilogy that interests us. Fedor is his son. The surname of Tsar Fedor Ioannovich is Rurikovich (his portrait is presented above). He is the last sovereign of this dynasty. After Fedor comes to the throne, he decides to rule in accordance with Christian institutions, and not like his father. This is mentioned just in the play "Tsar Fyodor Ioannovich". And the third tells about how the "rootless" Boris Godunov ruled. After his ascension to the throne, the dynastyThe Rurik dynasty came to an end because Tsarevich Dimitri was killed. Godunov (pictured below) enters the throne in order to rule wisely. All this is discussed in the third part.
The idea that the rulers are hostages of power runs through the entire trilogy. Whether they are wise, kind, or cruel, princes cannot rule virtuously. Fedor's personality seems especially tragic. At the beginning of his reign, he wants to "smooth everything", "to agree with everyone." And as a result of the reign, it becomes clear that he could not distinguish "truth from untruth." We invite you to get to know this ruler better.
"Tsar Fyodor Ioannovich": summary
In the house of Ivan Petrovich Shuisky, in the presence of some boyars and many clergy, there is talk of Fedor Ioannovich's divorce from his wife, Boris Godunov's sister. According to everyone, it is thanks to her that Boris is holding on. The paper points to the infancy of Demetrius and the infertility of the queen, they ask Fyodor Ioannovich to enter into a new marriage.
Golovin's proposal receives a stern rebuff, which hints to the tsar at the possibility of appointing Dimitri instead of Fyodor. Princess Mstislavskaya takes care of the guests. Everyone drinks to Fyodor's he alth. The matchmaker Volokhov indicates the place of the secret meeting to the groom of Mstislavskaya, Shakhovsky.
Petition to the Metropolitan, information from Uglich
The next story is that Ivan Petrovich sends a petition to the Metropolitan, withwhile lamenting that he was forced to destroy the queen. His butler Fedyuk Starkov informs Godunov about what he saw. He, having received information from Uglich that Golovin is in a conspiracy with Nagimi, and seeing that his power is in danger, announces to his supporters, Prince Turenin and Lup-Kleshnin, his intention to reconcile with Shuisky.
Godunov's intention to make peace with Shuisky
Irina appears, to whom Tsar Fyodor Ioannovich tells about what he saw in the Mstislavskaya church. He assures the queen that for him she is still the most beautiful of all. Godunov announces his intention to make peace with Shuisky. The king happily undertakes this task.
Fyodor asks for help in reconciliation from Metropolitan Dionysius, as well as from some other priests. Dionysius says that Godunov is indulgent towards heretics and oppresses the church. He also renewed the taxes from which the clergy had been exempted. Godunov gives Dionysius letters of protection and says that heretics were subject to persecution. Tsar Fyodor Ivanovich asks the boyars and Irina to support him.
Goudnov's conversation with Shuisky
Shuisky Ivan Petrovich arrives, accompanied by the enthusiasm of the people. Fyodor reproaches him for not attending the Duma. Ivan Petrovich excuses himself by saying that he could not agree with Godunov. Remembering the Scriptures, Fedor calls the clergy to be witnesses. He says reconciliation is good. Godunov, submissive to him, offers his consent to Shuisky. The latter reproaches him for not wanting to share the government of the country. But John bequeathedthe state to five boyars: the forcibly tonsured Mstislavsky, the deceased Zakharyin, the exiled Belsky, Shuisky and Godunov. Justifying himself, Godunov says that Shuisky is arrogant, that he became the sole ruler in order to benefit Russia. Godunov adds that only the Shuiskys do not want to put the disordered country in order. The metropolitan notes that Godunov did a lot for the church, and inclines Shuisky to reconciliation.
People are informed about reconciliation, scene with merchants
Showing the shrine she embroidered, Irina admits that this is her vow for the salvation of Ivan Petrovich, who was once besieged by the Lithuanians in Pskov. Shuisky is ready to forget the hostility, however, he demands security guarantees for his associates from Godunov. He swears. They invite elected representatives from the crowd brought by Ivan Petrovich. Shuisky tells the people about reconciliation with Boris Godunov. Merchants are unhappy that they put up with their heads. Distrust of the person who has just sworn irritates Shuisky. The merchants ask the tsar to protect them from Godunov, but he sends them to Boris. Godunov asks to write down their names.
Meeting of Mstislavskaya with Shakhovsky
Princess Mstislavskaya together with Vasilisa Volokhova are waiting for Shakhovsky in the garden at night. He comes, announces his love and how impatiently he is waiting for the wedding. Krasilnikov arrives. Shakhovskoy, letting him in, hides. He begins to call Ivan Petrovich and says that everyone who was with the tsar, on the orders of Godunov, was captured. Shuisky is shocked. He orders to raise GodunovMoscow.
Discussion of the petition
Boyars are discussing the petition, thinking about who will be the new queen. V. Shuisky proposes the candidacy of Mstislavskaya. Golovin enters her name in the petition. Shakhovskoy enters. He says he won't give up his bride. Volokhova also appears with the princess. Shakhovskoy, with mutual reproaches and threats, grabs a letter and leaves.
Godunov gives paper to the tsar. He does not go into their content, but agrees with what Boris decided. Irina says that the dowager queen wrote a letter from Uglich asking her to return to Moscow with Demetrius. Fedor wanted to entrust this matter to Boris, but Irina wants him to take care of it himself.
Godunov announces that he is leaving the Tsar
Shuisky enters, he starts complaining about Godunov. Boris doesn't back down. He says that the merchants are taken for an attempt to destroy the peace between him and Shuisky, and not for the past. Tsar Fyodor Ioannovich agrees to forgive Boris, believing that they did not understand each other. However, the sovereign is angry with Godunov's inflexible demand to leave the prince in the city of Uglich. Boris says that he is leaving, giving way to Shuisky. The king begs you not to leave him. Hurt by Fyodor's behavior, Shuisky leaves.
Kleshnin brings Golovin's letter from Uglich. Boris shows it to Fyodor, demanding that Shuisky be taken into custody. He is even ready to execute him. In case of failure to comply with the order, Boris threatens to leave. Fedor is shocked. After long hesitation, he decides to refuse the advice and services of Godunov.
Shuisky's idea
Shuisky Ivan Petrovich consoles Mstislavskaya. Hetells her that he will not allow her to marry the king. Ivan Petrovich expresses the hope that Shakhovskoy will not betray their plan. Having sent away Mstislavskaya, Shuisky receives the boyars, as well as the fleeing Golub and Krasilnikov. He thinks that soon the dull-witted Fyodor will be deposed, and Demetrius will be elevated to the throne. Ivan Petrovich gives everyone a task.
Godunov instructs Volokhova to take care of the prince
Sitting at home, the estranged Boris learns from Kleshnin about Volokhova's life and tells her to "bless the tsarevich". Kleshnin sends Volokhova to Uglich to become a new mother. He orders to take care of the prince and hints that if he destroys himself (the prince suffers from epilepsy), she will be asked.
Shuisky admits to rebellion
Meanwhile Fedor can't figure out the papers provided to him. Kleshnin enters and says that Boris has fallen ill from frustration. It is required to immediately seize and imprison Shuisky because he intended to make Demetrius a prince. Fedor does not believe this. Shuisky appears. The king informs him of the denunciation and demands excuses. He refuses to provide them. Fyodor insists, and Shuisky decides to confess to rebellion.
Fearing that Boris will punish Ivan Petrovich for treason, the prince declares that he himself decided to put the prince on the throne, and then forces the shocked Shuisky out of the room.
Fedor signs Godunov's decree
Shakhovskoy breaks into the chambers of the sovereign. He asks to return his bride. Seeing Shuisky's signature, Fyodor cries and does not heed Irina's arguments thatthe composed paper is ridiculous. Protecting Irina from insults, Fyodor signs Godunov's decree, terrifying those who came.
Agitation for Shuisky
The old man raises the people, agitating for Shuisky. Guslyar composes songs about the valor of Ivan Petrovich. A messenger arrives and reports that the Tatars are advancing. Prince Turenin, together with the archers, takes Ivan Petrovich to prison. The people, urged on by the old man, want to free him. However, Shuisky says that he is guilty before the king and that he deserved his punishment.
Kleshnin tells Godunov that the Shuiskys, as well as those who supported them, are in prison. Then he introduces Shuisky Vasily Ivanovich. He says that he started a petition allegedly for the benefit of Boris Godunov. Boris, realizing that he is in his hands, lets him go. Empress Irina enters to intercede for Ivan Petrovich Shuisky. Realizing that he will continue to contradict him, Godunov remains adamant.
Death of Shuisky and Shakhovsky
The beggars who gathered on the square near the cathedral say that the Metropolitan, objectionable to Godunov, was deposed, and the merchants who spoke for Shuisky were executed. Mstislavskaya comes along with Irina in order to ask for Ivan Petrovich. Fyodor leaves the cathedral. He served a memorial service for Ivan. Seeing him, the princess throws herself at Fyodor's feet. He sends Turenin for Shuisky. However, Turenin says that Ivan Petrovich strangled himself at night. He asks for forgiveness for having overlooked, as he fought off the crowd that Shakhovskoy led to prison. And recaptured it, shooting only Shakhovsky. Fedor accuses Turenin of Ivan's murderPetrovich. He threatens him with execution.
The death of the prince, Fedor transfers control of the state to Boris
A messenger arrives with news of the death of the prince. The king is shocked. He wants to find out for himself what happened. The news comes that the Khan is approaching, and Moscow is threatened with a siege. Godunov invites Fedor to send Vasily Shuisky and Kleshnin. He is convinced that Boris is innocent. Mstislavskaya says she wants to get a haircut. On the advice of his wife, Fedor is going to transfer the entire burden of government to Boris. He mourns his royal duty and his fate, remembering his own desire to "smooth everything" and "agree everyone".
This ends the play "Tsar Fyodor Ioannovich". We tried to convey a summary of it without missing anything important.
The stage fate of the work
The plot of this tragedy is full of events, so it is not easy to describe it in one article. To better understand the work, it is better to watch the play "Tsar Fedor Ioannovich". Reviews of the performances of this drama in Moscow theaters (Artistic, Maly, named after Komissarzhevskaya, etc.) have always been enthusiastic. Records of many of them have been preserved.
In May 1973, in one of the best theaters of the capital, the sensational premiere of the tragedy "Tsar Fyodor Ioannovich" took place. The Maly Theater attracted a whole constellation of luminaries to participate in its production. Viktor Korshunov played Boris Godunov, Innokenty Smoktunovsky played Fedor, Evgeny Samoilov played Ivan Shuisky, Viktor Khokhryakov played Kleshninand others. The play was enthusiastically received.
An interesting work was created by Alexei Tolstoy. "Tsar Fyodor Ioannovich" is still included in the repertoires of many theaters.
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