"Vivid, full of music and truly enlightening": theatre critic on the production "Russian Seasons. Spring"

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How can the most famous pages of the "Russian Seasons" be brought together in a single evening, while showing the role of Russian culture in the world and engaging both adults and children? Ballet and theatre critic and Candidate of Art History Roman Volodchenkov spoke about this at the premiere of the National Centre RUSSIA’s original production "Russian Seasons. Spring".

According to him, the project "Russian Seasons. Spring" continues the conversation about the legendary series of impresario productions that captivated audiences in Paris and other countries from 1909 to 1929. The critic noted that it is especially significant today that the theme of Russia’s contribution to world art is being presented on the stage of the National Centre RUSSIA.

"We are recalling not only the twenty years of the 'Russian Seasons' in Paris and around the world, but also the role Russian ballet played in global culture. The fact that this theme resonates so vividly today precisely at the National Centre RUSSIA is extremely important in my view. In a single evening the audience has the opportunity to see the most famous productions brought together in one programme. It is truly a major cultural event," said Roman Volodchenkov.

The critic also highlighted the visual and musical richness of the production. He drew attention to the multimedia stage design, the performance of the Women’s Symphony Orchestra and the participation of leading Moscow theatre companies.

"If you look at it through the eyes of an ordinary spectator — parents, children, people with different backgrounds — the production makes a very strong impression. It is musical and visually striking, and you can see that from the audience’s reaction. The combination of a live orchestra, a women’s symphonic ensemble and multimedia scenery that literally comes alive with the music creates a powerful effect. In addition, performers from leading Moscow companies appear on the same stage in a single evening: the Bolshoi Theatre, the Stanislavsky and Nemirovich-Danchenko Music Theatre and the 'Kremlin Ballet' theatre. The opportunity to see such a cast in one programme in itself makes this project unique," the critic emphasised.

Roman Volodchenkov also noted the educational character of the production. In his opinion, the performance speaks both to the professional community and to the widest possible audience, reminding viewers of the significance of the "Russian Seasons" in shaping Russia’s image in the world. The critic expressed hope that the project "Russian Seasons. Spring" will continue and become an important part of the cultural programme of the National Centre RUSSIA.