Anton Chekhov's timeless comedy staged at the National Centre RUSSIA in Primorye
Theatre Studio "Balagan" from the city of Artyom brought Anton Chekhov's classic comedy about a marriage proposal that goes anything but according to plan to the National Centre RUSSIA in Primorye. The performance of "The Proposal" served as a fitting echo of the III All-Russian Wedding Festival "Russia. Uniting Hearts", which took place at the National Centre earlier this month.
Theatre Studio "Balagan" has been based in Artyom for eight years and stages both classical and contemporary productions. "The Proposal" premiered with a different cast a year ago, while the current version has been performed since May. For the actors, the performance at the National Centre RUSSIA in Primorye marked the close of the theatre season, with rehearsals resuming in September.
"Of course, this play is not really about landowners arguing over Oxen Meadows. It is about people defending their own interests and refusing to compromise. They only give way when they have something to gain — for example, when a young woman wants to get married. Isn't that still relevant today? It reflects a very human emotion, which we expose on stage with a touch of humour and satire," said Yelena Borovik, Artistic Director of the theatre and director of the production.
The National Centre RUSSIA was chosen as the venue for "The Proposal" because its intimate setting is well suited to chamber performances and complements the timeless nature of Chekhov's classic. Owing to a shortage of male actors in the troupe, the role of the landowner Chubukov was reimagined as a female character, while the rest of the production remains faithful to the original text. For many of those who are involved in the production, performing in an amateur theatre offers a welcome change of pace and the opportunity to engage with the arts. The cast performing in "The Proposal" has been with the studio for five years.
"I found the theatre director's phone number because I wanted to try something completely new. My day job has nothing to do with acting. Creativity brings me joy. Here I can be playful and express everything that's inside me," said Olga Makarova, who plays Natalia Chubukova.
Olga admits that balancing everyday life with theatre can sometimes be challenging, but when it comes to choosing between the two, the theatre always takes priority.
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