Probably there is no such person, let alone a theater-goer who would not know the name of Roman Viktyuk. The theater he created attracts with its extremism, a completely new look at human relations and, it seems, has its own philosophy. But first things first…
Theater History
The idea of creating a theater arose in 1991, and its author was, of course, Roman Viktyuk himself. The theater arose from an enterprise. Her first production was the shocking performance “M. Butterfly, "by D. G. Juan.
At that time, the theater included many actors with whom Roman Viktyuk had previously known. The theater was called state five years after its first premiere, in 1996. At that time, many stars of the first magnitude repeatedly participated in the performances.
Now the theater occupies a building on Strominka, which he received with the title of state theater. The design of the building itself is quite interesting. The auditorium occupies 70% of its area. In addition, the space can be changed with the help of "hanging balconies" and additional partitions.
Roman Viktyuk Theater. Repertoire
As the artistic director of the theater, Roman Viktyuk staged about 200 different performances. Quite often they are focused on the stars themselves and are placed specifically for them.
The repertoire of the theater is quite difficult to describe, given the huge number of plays that have been staged here throughout its existence. The brightest of them:
- “Handmaids”;
- "Salome";
- “Towards the Stars”;
- “Incomparable!”;
- "The Master and Margarita";
- “R&J (Romeo and Juliet)”;
- "Shadow of Lear";
- “At the beginning and at the end of time”;
- "The smell of light tan";
- "Little marital games";
- Ferdinando.
Roman Viktyuk Theater. "Handmaids"
Among all the named performances of Roman Viktyuk, many have already become legendary. Probably, every theater-goer can name his own, which has become his favorite. For some, this is Our Decameron, others are crazy about Music Lessons, still others recall Madame Butterfly. However, “Handmaids” is something else. Some call them decadent, others are a little vicious, but at the same time there is a lot of humor in the play, which is more like banter.
For the first time, viewers saw this performance in 1988, and it became a landmark theater event. Critics have repeatedly called him a manifesto of new theatricality. However, in the first edition of the production, her story did not end, she continued to “blow up” both the viewer and the theater itself. Roman Viktyuk returned to her two more times: immediately after the foundation of his own theater in 1991 and in 2006.
There is an opinion that all the performances that Roman Viktyuk puts on are about love. However, the production of “The Handmaids” proves the opposite. It refers to a life in which there is no love, emptiness and hopelessness. “Handmaids” reveal to us a world of slavery, in which even love is forbidden. But the idea that people themselves choose slavery for themselves, runs regardless of whether it manifests itself in work, love, or family.
The actors who had the opportunity to play in this ingenious production are Dmitry Bozin (Solange), Alexander Soldatkin (Claire), Alexey Nesterenko (Madame), Ivan Nikulcha (Monsieur). As you can see, all roles, including women, are played by men. Perhaps this makes the production special. On the lips of women, the replicas of the handmaids would have looked grotesque and ridiculous. Men convey the idea that was laid down by the author of the play, Jean Genet. Undoubtedly, Roman Viktyuk was able to fully develop it and convey it to the viewer. The theater, which became his brainchild, and the plays that were staged, in particular by “The Handmaids,” seem to be balancing on the verge of a foul. But this does not stop the audience. The performance has been going on successfully for many years.
Impression of viewers after watching
Given the specifics of the Roman Viktyuk theater, the audience’s reviews are always mixed. Some consider him a genius, others cannot understand the complex direction and decisions of the artistic director. But still the first ones, those who are looking forward to the premiere of a new production, are much larger.
Many viewers note that after watching many of his productions, I want to see them again, come back and relive those emotions that the actors' game provoked, but which ones, everyone decides for himself. One thing remains unchanged - fantasy, drive and the huge talent that Roman Viktyuk possesses. The theater, which he founded, will amaze the viewer with his shocking productions for a long time to come.