Fedor Grigorievich Volkov (1729–1763) - universal cultural figure: creator of the Russian theater, actor, writer. He lived only 34 years, but his talents were multifaceted. His energy, mind, personal abilities went to the organization of the Russian scene in the province, and then in the capital. He was portrayed by one of the best painters of that time, A. Losenko. The artist managed a portrait resemblance.
Volkov Fedor Grigorievich, whose portrait photo is presented here, calmly and clearly looks at the viewer. The spiritual riches of this outstanding person are revealed: dignity, living intellect, activity.
Early adulthood
Five sons were born in the family of the Kostroma merchant Grigory Volkov and his wife Matryona Yakovlevna. The elder was named Fedor. He was only 7 years old when his father passed away and his mother remarried to the energetic, enterprising and middle-aged Yaroslavl merchant F.V. Polushkin. He founded factories and looked for companions. And he made assistants to all his stepsons. At this time, Fedor was 14 years old. To manage the factories, Fedor lacked the education he received in Yaroslavl, and his stepfather sent him to Moscow. So, in the merchant works, Fedor G. Volkov, whose biography was, it would seem, very definitely, came to study in the ancient capital.
In Moscow
Only three years, Volkov studied at the Zaikonospassky Academy, discovering at the same time natural abilities and talents. During this time, he only studied the basics of basic subjects, and in addition, he seriously studied music: he played the harp and the violin, sang along the notes.
Homecoming
Returning to Yaroslavl, Volkov Fyodor Grigoryevich continues his studies with the pastor, who accompanied E.I. Biron in exile, and perfectly master the German language. At the same time, he himself learns to draw and draw, which later will be very useful to him. But the stepfather, having kept Fedor a couple of years at home, sends him to St. Petersburg to study modern methods of commerce.
Acquaintance with the theater
Having entered a German trading company and seriously taken up business, Volkov Fedor Grigoryevich accidentally falls into a performance of Italian opera. It was a magnificent sight with magnificent scenery, which were often replaced with the help of cars. Then Fedor Grigorievich went to the theater more than once and carefully sketched everything. But the acting was weak. Then, in order to comprehend it, he comes to a private German theater, which came to St. Petersburg. There he watches dramas and comedies and gets acquainted with leading actors, quickly delving into the theatrical game. So it takes about two years.
Return to Yaroslavl
When his stepfather died, then Volkov Fedor Grigoryevich headed the work of factories and trade. He had to conduct litigation and cases on which he was in St. Petersburg. There he attended a performance of the Shlyakheti Corps. They gave drama Sumarokov in Russian. And he had an idea to start a theater in Yaroslavl. Together with his brothers and friends at home, he begins rehearsing, looking for a place where you can give a performance. For starters, it's just a stone barn of his stepfather. But the performance was successful, and Volkov begins to collect money by subscribing to the construction of the theater. They meet him. And as early as next year he was building a wooden building of the first public theater. Wolves is united in many faces. He is a director, and director, and painter, and actor. Everything manages to capture this original talent of a young 22-year-old youth, who was Fedor G. Volkov. The theater has been operating successfully for more than a year. But an inspector is sent to the province from St. Petersburg, who, in order to brighten up time, attends theater performances. It is he who reports to the empress about that glorious institution that exists in Yaroslavl. Volkova, together with the troupe, Empress Elizabeth Petrovna calls to St. Petersburg.
In a new place
Elizaveta Petrovna loved masquerades, and a new undertaking pleased her. Before that, she can be said to have passionately loved opera and ballet, but there was no permanent Russian troupe in the capital, and since the theater has been working in Yaroslavl for more than a year, you need to get to know him. And a month later, in the winter, 12 people arrived in North Palmyra. At the end of March 1752, Volkov gave an introduction to the empress and her close associates with his actors. Elizaveta Petrovna ordered the actors to be taught drawing, languages, dances, and music in the privileged Shlyakheta corps. And they study only excellently. Two years later, everyone decides that they are already quite prepared. In 1756, the Empress issued a decree on the creation of the Russian Theater.
Public theater
The theater was very poorly financially supported by the authorities. Everything depended on the enthusiasm of director A. Sumarokov and actor F. Volkov. In addition, and it was very important for that time, women were introduced into the composition. Before, all female roles were played by young men. The Russian Theater did not have its own building and wandered from one room to another, and the director and actors were not paid a salary for months.
This situation can endure only true lovers of dramatic art. In addition, only nobles who preferred Italian operas and French ballets and looked with disdain on Russian actors were allowed on their performances. The audience went to performances not on their own hunt, but on the empress's coercion. There was no order in the audience. Therefore, he was guarded by police squads. Under such conditions, the Russian Theater began to operate.
Fate and Masquerade
In 1761, F. Volkov became the director. He remained an actor, wrote plays for his brainchild, refused high court ranks and orders, and was engaged only in what his soul drew. In 1762, after ascending the throne of Catherine II, he had the right to enter her without a report. It was Volkov who was entrusted in honor of the coronation of the sovereign in Moscow to arrange a large multi-day masquerade of unprecedented splendor. Volkov enthusiastically set about organizing it. Work on the street, for the people - the highest dream of the creator.
This street performance continued for three days, the people poured into the streets and took places on the roofs. It was magnificent, rich and instructive. And Volkov spent all three winter days on the street, in the wind, watching everywhere and doing everything. However, after the end of the masquerade, he felt tired and uncomfortable, and then he lay down and did not get up. April 4, 1763 Fyodor Volkov finished his earthly journey. A brief biography of the genius who created the Russian theater is considered in this article.