The play "Dead Souls" at the Vakhtangov Theatre offers viewers a deep immersion into the world of Gogol's satire

On June 12 and 22, 2025, the Vakhtangov Theatre will host the performance of Dead Souls, tickets for which are already available for purchase on our website.

It was no coincidence that director Vladimir Ivanov called his production a "gallop". This term refers to a fast dance with jumps, which in this case refers to the dynamic interaction of Maria Aronova (She) and Vladislav Gandrabur (He). An interesting fact: these two actors are related by family ties as mother and son. The play covers the entire novel, from Chichikov's birth to his purchase of dead souls, and has been attracting full houses at the Vakhtangov Theatre for many years.

Inspired by Gogol's immortal work, Ivanov created a multi-layered performance where the grotesque is closely intertwined with lyricism, and social criticism coexists with philosophical reflections on human nature. As performed by Gandrabur, Chichikov appears not just as a swindler, but as a complex personality striving for a better life by any means necessary. Aronova and her son alternately and simultaneously embody Chichikov and other characters in the poem. Each time they take on a new role, they put on a corresponding mask; only when speaking on behalf of the narrator do they remain themselves. The art of the actors allows us to reveal the full depth of the characters embedded in the work.

The history of the play's creation is marked by meticulous work on the text and images. The production team, headed by the director, sought to convey the spirit of the times as accurately as possible, adding a modern twist. The costumes in the style of the 19th century create the atmosphere of a provincial town and the manor houses of Russia in Gogol's time. The scenery includes Gogol's drafts, which periodically appear and disappear.

The landowners are easily recognizable as characters from Soviet fairy tales: Plyushkin resembles Baba Yaga by Georgy Millyar, and one of the ladies is dressed as Rina Zelenaya from The Adventures of Buratino.

The musical accompaniment of the play plays an important role in creating the right atmosphere - composer Vyacheslav Zhukov skillfully combines classical motifs with modern arrangements. This gives the production dynamism and emotional richness, enhancing the impression of the actors' performance. Sound effects emphasize the drama of moments on stage.

Critics are unanimous in their high assessments of the director's skill and acting. The play received many positive reviews and won prestigious theatre awards, including the Crystal Turandot and the Moskovsky Komsomolets Prize in three nominations. Spectators also praised the production for its relevance and depth of content.