Opera "Boris Godunov. An Accessory`s Version" Theatrical provocation by Yuriy Alexandrov music by Mussorgsky St. Petersburg Chamber Opera
Schedule for "Boris Godunov. An Accessory`s Version" Theatrical provocation by Yuriy Alexandrov music by Mussorgsky 2022
Composer: Modest Mussorgsky Stage Director: Yuri Alexandrov
Premiere of this production: 12 May 1995
Theatrical provocation by Yuriy Alexandrov music by
Mussorgsky
Original version by the composer Libretto by
Modest Musorgsky after the tragedy by Alexander Pushkin (14 characters, 40
musicians & 30 chorus singers) Staged by Yuri Alexandrov Premiere: 12
May 1995
The logically drawn parallels between the Time of Troubles and
the Russia of today give rise to philosophical reflections about the fate of the
country and its people and the problem of "that loneliness which comes with
power". The tragic figure of Tsar Boris being surrounded by subjects who despise
him provides the main idea in this opera, staged as it is in a notably ascetic
manner. It has become the Theatre's "visiting card", confirming the
importance of the directing profession. The St. Petersburg Chamber Opera's
production of Boris Godunov was received by several critics as a challenge to
traditional, grand stagings of this monumental opera by academic
theatres.
Synopsis
ACT 1
Scene 1
Gendarmes order the
townspeople to pray that Boris Godunov accepts the tsar’s crown. Tchelkanov, the
secretary of the Duma, informs them that Boris has refused.
Scene
2
Boris is coronated. Clergy, boyars and townspeople glorify the new
tsar.
Scene 3
The old monk Pimen, who considers Boris to be to
blame for the assassination of Dmitri, finishes his chronicle of Russian
history. Monk Grigory listens to Pimen’s story and conceives an impudent idea to
pretend to give himself out as tsarevich Dmitri, as if he saved from me
death.
Scene 4
Grigory has escaped from the monastery and arrives
at an inn with Varlaam and Misail, two fellow vagabond monks. Grigory asks the
innkeeper about the way to the Lithuanian border. Guards suddenly appear and try
to arrest Grigory but he escapes.
Scene 5
The nursemaid comforts
the tsar’s daughter Xenia, who is mourning her fiance’s death. Boris tries to
comfort Xenia too. He studies the map of the Russian kingdom with his son
Fyodor, the future tsar. Shouisky arrives to tell Boris about the arrival of
impostor Dmitri in Lithuania. Boris demands that Shouisky confirm Dmitri’s
death, but Shouisky’s story only serves to make Boris unrestful and nervous, he
sees the phantom of me dead tsarevich.
ACT 2
Scene 6
Jesuit named Rangoni inspires Marina
Mnishek, daughet of the Voyevode of Sandomir, with idea to ascend the throne of
Russia via the impostor Dmitri. During the meeting with Grigory, who is in
love with Marina, she insists on a campaign against Moscow.
Scene
7
The crowd discusses the news about the appearance of the imposter
Dmitri. They hope that the impostor will save them from the boyar’s
oppression. The townspeople demand bread from the Tsar, but submitting under
the pressure of the police. The Simpleton turns to Boris as he leaves the
Cathedral and accuses him of murdering Dmitri.
Scene 8
A
rebellious mob baits and mocks a boyar who had been a supporter of
Boris. Varlaam and Misail instigate people with stories about tortures and
punishments. The rioters adjoin to imposter Dmitri, demanding the death of
Boris. Only the Simpleton remains, brooding over the fate of
Russia.
Scene 9
A special session of the Douma is taking place to
discuss me news about the impostor’s appearance. Shouisky brings the news
about Boris’ hard disease and who hallucinates the death of tsarevich
Dmitri. The Tsar’s appearance confirms Shouisky’s description. The old monk
Pimeri then arrives and explains about miraculous powers of Dmitri’s
tomb. Pimen’s story makes Boris to break down completely. He understands that
he is dying and calls for his son for final religious rites. Boris dies.
Schedule for "Boris Godunov. An Accessory`s Version" Theatrical provocation by Yuriy Alexandrov music by Mussorgsky 2022
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