"Lenkom", "Lie to the rescue": reviews of viewers

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

The Moscow State Lenkom Theater has been delighting audiences with its extraordinary productions for more than 85 years, many of which are recognized as true masterpieces of Soviet and Russian theatrical art.

The opening of the next jubilee season was marked by the premiere of Gleb Panfilov's performance "Salvation Lie". "Lenkom", reviews of visiting which are most often positive, this time did not disappoint the theatergoers, especially since its most famous stars shone on the stage. Even those who have seen productions based on the drama by A. Kasona “Trees die standing up” more than once claim that they have discovered it from a completely new side. Why did the performance captivate the audience so much?

"Lenkom". White Lie: Plot

Gleb Panfilov changed not only the name of the performance, but also addedmultiple scenes. All events unfold around an elderly couple. They have only one grandson who once committed a serious offense, for which he was kicked out of the house by his grandfather. More than 20 years have passed since then, but the grandmother continues to wait for news from her grandson, who left for Canada. Over time, the woman yearns more and more, and her husband - Senor Balboa - begins to send her fake letters. In them, he paints the happy life of his grandson, who was educated, married and achieved great success. Moreover, fearing that his white lie will be revealed, the grandfather hires actors who must portray the grandson and his wife, who came to visit their beloved grandmother.

Thus, a new scene appears in the play in the office, where they sell "fairy tales for adults" and you can order performers for any role.

In the finale, a real "bad" grandson appears, demanding to give him an inheritance. Grandmother understands what's what, and kicks him out. A young man is killed by unknown people, most likely because of the dark deeds that he was engaged in overseas. The elderly Senora Balboa, bending over the body of a relative, forgives him and dies with him.

There are no such tragic scenes in Kasona's original play. However, Panfilov, most likely, decided to enhance the melodramatic effect in order to prove that lying is always bad.

Inna Churikova

Her creative and marital tandem with Gleb Panfilov has a long and successful history. Therefore, it is not surprising that the performance ("Lenkom") "Salvation Lie"was created specifically for Inna Churikova, who played in the theater. Lenin Komsomol many interesting roles.

The previous significant work of the actress was the image of Eleanor of Aquitaine, which, according to critics, she undoubtedly succeeded. The role of Eugena Balboa can also be attributed to the number of her creative achievements. Suffice it to say that when the production of "Lie to the rescue" ("Lenkom") is discussed, the reviews first of all speak of the magnificent performance of Churikova. Euhena's last monologue, which she utters before her death, makes a particularly great impression on the audience. Churikova manages to depict the suffering of a grandmother so vividly when she saw her grandson die that many of those present in the hall can hardly hold back tears. And this happens at almost every performance!

Viktor Rakov

What else is interesting about The White Lie (performance)? "Lenkom" (reviews of many famous artists allow us to speak about this with all confidence) for many opened the door to a new life, full of ups and downs, dramatic events and exciting love experiences, with which the stage is so rich … The production we are considering has become another achievement of Viktor Viktorovich, famous viewers for numerous roles in film and theater. At least that's what critics and most theatergoers think. He makes a worthy couple to Inna Churikova and makes you believe in real, high love between Signora and Signor Balboa, which justifies even a lie.

Having taken Rakov in the performance, Panfilov gave his offspring a greatmodernity, since his "old men" are youthful and do not at all look like a grandfather and grandmother, who were usually presented to the audience by other directors who staged the work of Alejandro Casona.

Supporting roles

Do you want to see the young actors of the Lenkom Theater? White Lies, reviews of which also apply to their game, will provide you with such an opportunity. The performance stars Esther Lamzina, Sergei Alexandrov, Anna Zaikova, Vitaly Borovik, Elena Stepanova, Igor Konyakhin, Irina Serova, Alexei Polyakov and Ksenia Baburkina. Some of them came to Lenkom relatively recently. “Lie to the rescue” (critics' reviews of this production are mostly positive) became a great opportunity for them to play together with the great Churikova, but not everyone, even a famous artist, can withstand such a partnership! Therefore, it is not surprising that many viewers were disappointed with the work of young people. At the same time, the images of the secretary and the wife of the “grandson” were noted as successful.

Settings and decorations

The play takes place in Barcelona. It is there that the house of Signors Balboa is located. Good taste in everything has always been the calling card of the Lenkom Theatre. White Lies (see reviews below) is a performance whose scenery is admirable. They are made in a traditional style and make the viewer feel like they are participants in a stage action. In addition, Panfilov placed 4 screens in the hall to demonstrate close-ups. Thus, even from the last rows one can observebehind the facial expressions of the characters and see what is happening on the stage in great detail.

Performance ("Lenkom") "Lie to the rescue": reviews of the audience

Moscow viewers are spoiled for good productions. And the guests of the capital, who decide to visit the theater, always expect to see a masterpiece, so they make higher demands on the performances for which they buy a ticket.

If we also take into account that each viewer has his own idea of beauty, and the play "Trees Die Standing Up" was staged dozens of times in Russia, it is clear that one cannot expect unambiguous reviews.

In any case, as already mentioned, almost everyone who decided to share their opinion about the new production of "Lenkom" notes the excellent performance of Inna Churikova. Less enthusiastic reviews are addressed to Viktor Rakov. It may be difficult for the viewer to perceive an actor who recently turned 53 years old as an old man.

As for the youth involved in the production, the audience believes that this is not the best replacement for the veterans that Lenkom is proud of.

"Lie to the rescue" (reviews about the performance are diametrically opposed) is still worth a look, if only to appreciate the innovative techniques of Gleb Panfilov, brought by him from the movie set.