What would've happened to this Russian classic work, if there were no vodka? The members of Moscow theatrical community with the name hard to pronounce when sober, Teatralnoe Tovarischestvo 814, for their two-day performance at Kunstfest constructed in Weimarhall a dilapidated pub, and placed a table and four chairs in front of it. To while away the time before the show begins, the tavern's servant drank brotherhood with the audience.
In an instant, the artful set made of wood, straw and dusty rags looked less gloomy, the characters - less shabby, violinist girls in folk costumes - even more attractive, and the national tunes touched to the depth of the heart. Insensibly, we entered Nikolai Gogol's comedy "Gamblers" (1842), the world of card-sharpers, where, as the story tells, one cheat cheats the other, until in the end he discovers that he is cheated himself.
The view over the eastern edge of the globe, to the homeland of Chekhov and Stanislavsky, has long become the obligatory part of Weimar Festival, which not once has caused a considerable agitation in the German theatre world that usually looks to the West. One will never forget guest performances by Lev Dodin form St. Petersburg. Last year, Kama Ginkas and his Moscow Theatre of Young Spectators astonished us with their experimental production of Chekhov's play. And now, Theatrical Company from Moscow.
"The events of long bygone days" is the subtitle, which Oleg Menshikov and Galina Dubovskaya have chosen for their production*. The actors perform in historical costumes, but through Gogol's lines they reveal contemporary reality. "Cheating? No, refined mind, cleverness… Let my father join me in cards and I will cheat my father… Why shoot yourself if you lose? Thus, the whole Russia will shoot itself". Actor Menshikov, who has won great admiration with his live theatre in his homeland, brightened up this traditional Russian comedy by at times breaking the action with great deal of irony. He adds sense to Gogol's comedy with the help of gestures, rhythm and singing. Young folk ensemble (soloists of State folk ensemble under the direction of Vladimir Nazarov) accompanies the performance by live music.
There're tempo and humor in the production, but at times it looks quite casual and edifying. Enjoyable is the performance of a new troupe. The fourth wall disappears, and the semi-circle of stage, decorated with fragrant hay, is constantly crossed by the actors. "Sharper? Very possible!" one of the actors addresses the audience. "But anyway it is worth trying!" With vodka you can make everything. Cheers!

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* - Author's mistake. This subtitle was chosen by Gogol himself, when he wrote the play. (note menshikov.ru)

Submitted by Juliet Regibot