Black Square Theatre. The art of improvising and being remembered by the viewer

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

The theater "Black Square" is significantly different from its older "brothers" - the name of Ivan Franko or Lesya Ukrainka. The latter are classical, more familiar to the viewer. The first is a modern theater, it can be called rather a youth theater, although the performances are very popular with viewers of all ages.

Founding History

The Black Square Theater first appeared in the Ukrainian capital on September 13, 1991. This became possible thanks to Anatoly Nikolayevich Neyolov, the founder of the theater-studio of improvisation. Judging by the stories of the actors themselves, there are several versions of how the idea of creating this unusual theater at that time appeared.

Somehow the artistic director of the theater studio came to the classes of the actors unprepared. He spread a large piece of black velvet in front of them and said that it didn't matter to him how they would play, as long as the result was interesting. This piece of velvet gave the name of the studio - "Black Square".

Theaterappeared as a result of a confluence of completely different circumstances, some actors say. According to their version, it was they who came unprepared, but not to the class, but to the premiere of a new play. The hall was full, and it was impossible to cancel the performance, so the artists took the stage and began to improvise. The audience liked the performance so much that they saw off the performers with a standing ovation.

It is not known for certain which of these stories is true, it is likely that both took place. The main thing is that thanks to these events, the "Black Square" - the theater - appeared in Ukraine. Kyiv has become the only city in Ukraine where the theater-studio of improvisation is located. The main principle of his work is the "live" play of actors. It is important to mention here that such projects appear from time to time in different parts of the country, but only the Black Square Theater is constantly functioning and touring.

Features of the repertoire

The view of the theater group on the production and dramaturgy differs from the standards. Despite this, the halls are full every evening, because the repertoire is distinguished by an enviable variety. These are modern and experimental productions, although the actors do not refuse classical plays either. In addition, several plots or even several plays can be combined in one performance. The main thing at the same time is the improvisation of the actors, although it is not difficult to learn the key phrases. During the performance, even the plot can change, so often not only the audience, but also the director and actors do not know how a separate performance will end.staging.

The Kyiv theater "Black Square" each time prepares a unique performance that cannot be repeated, played exactly the same way again. The actors are sure that each time the performance depends on many factors and coincidences that cannot be predicted.

Poster

During all the time of its work, the theater has become a place where about seventy improvisational productions saw the light of day. His actors are constantly working to expand and update their repertoire. The following performances can be called the most successful:

• "Dream Rehearsals";
• "Thinkers";
• "Young people";
• "Everyone must die" (based on the card game "Mafia");
• "A person needs little";
• "Stubs of Life, or 19 cm of love";
• "All women are for sale";
• "Notes of a Russian Traveler";
• "Inspector";
• "Sunset Invitation";
• Invitation to Dawn.

These and many other performances can be seen on a small experimental stage located on Shevchenko Boulevard, or on a large one in the House of Artists. Also, the Black Square Theater takes part in all possible festivals of amateur and avant-garde theaters.

Theatrical studio

As already mentioned, "Black Square" is not only a theater, but also an acting studio. It allows young people to develop their ability to play on stage, learn new tricks and methods.

Undoubtedly, suchclasses are of great importance for young talents, for whom it is important to improve their professional level. However, they will be useful not only to those for whom the theater has become a life. According to the director, people who are far from acting on stage will be able to learn a lot of useful things here, because situations from everyday life are played out in the classroom, and the studio makes it possible to analyze them.

"Black Square" is a theater in which great importance is attached to research work. It is mainly aimed at finding new forms of expression.