The run of the production "Russian Seasons. Spring" concluded at the National Centre RUSSIA
On International Women’s Day, 8 March, the run of the original multi-genre production "Russian Seasons. Spring" concluded at the National Centre RUSSIA. The production is dedicated to Russian art, music and dance, as well as to the women who shaped an entire era: Anna Pavlova, Bronislava Nijinska and Matilda Kshesinskaya.
"Russian Seasons. Spring" offers a new interpretation of the great cultural legacy of the twentieth century.
The production invites audiences to take a fresh look at the "Russian Seasons" of the early twentieth century. According to guests, the performance seemed to transport them back in time — to an era when Russian ballet enjoyed worldwide fame and Russian musicians and artists captivated audiences abroad. The performance draws both on historical facts and on the striking visual language of the famous productions.
One of the audience members, Yekaterina Tsygankova, said that for her the most compelling aspect was the combination of history and spectacle: "I really enjoyed the performance today. I liked the unusual structure: first we learn more about how the operas were staged and what a difficult path the Russian Seasons went through abroad. Then we see fragments that complete the picture and immerse us in that atmosphere. The format, where the action unfolds around the audience, makes you feel as if you are inside the story, which only strengthens the impression."
Natalia Kedlova noted both the visual impact of the production and the depth of its concept. In her view, productions like this help preserve the memory of the country’s great cultural heritage.
"I would say that this is not just a performance but a multi-format show inspired by the famous Russian Seasons. It is a colourful, at times even mystical way of recreating that era and turning once again to Russian cultural roots. It brings together the revival of our traditions and the presentation of Russian mentality and culture to international audiences. Projects like this are very important because they sustain interest in our art and ballet, showing what Russia is truly proud of," Natalia noted.
The production also made a strong impression on younger viewers. A young spectator, Masha, admitted that the ballet scenes inspired her the most: "I really loved the performance, especially the ballerinas. I want to become a ballerina too."
Another audience member, Sasha Kabardina, highlighted the Firebird scene. According to her, it stood out thanks to the powerful combination of music, movement and visual imagery. She noted the "incredibly beautiful dances and costumes", which made the episode especially magical.
"Russian Seasons. Spring" brings together historical narrative, ballet and opera pieces, a live orchestra and modern multimedia stage design. The production features stars of ballet, opera and drama theatre, including Yevgenia Obraztsova, Artyom Ovcharenko, Yekaterina Pervushina and other leading soloists of the Bolshoi Theatre and the Kremlin Ballet Theatre. Bolshoi Theatre principal ballerina Kristina Kretova also appeared in a dramatic acting role.
The production also featured Honoured Artist of the Russian Federation, Mariinsky Theatre soloist and Artistic Director of the Bashkir State Opera and Ballet Theatre Askar Abdrazakov; Moscow Novaya Opera soloist Anastasia Belukova; and well-known theatre and film actors Dmitry Solomykin, Oleg Savtsov, Yekaterina Krazmina and Sergei Belov.
The run of the original multi-genre production "Russian Seasons. Spring" formed part of the National Centre RUSSIA’s festive programme dedicated to International Women’s Day. The production reminded audiences of Russia’s contribution to world art, celebrated the strength and courage of Russian women of the stage and showed how the legacy of the early twentieth century continues to inspire audiences of all ages today.
A special guide to the production was prepared for audiences. It contains a brief overview of the performance, information about the main characters, performers, music and artworks featured in the multimedia design, and much more. The guide is available via the link.
A recording of the National Centre RUSSIA’s original multi-genre production "Russian Seasons. Spring" is available on the website russia.ru in the "Livestreams and Videos" section, as well as on social media.
Event photobank
Poet and publicist Igor Karaulov visited the National Centre RUSSIA and, ahead of 8 March, addressed women with a message of congratulations.
