Embodiment of Shukshin's prose: Theatre of Nations presents a legendary performance

The script is based on ten works by Vasily Shukshin: "Stepkina's Love", "Boots", "Microscope", "I Beg Your Pardon, Madam", "Ignakha Has Arrived", "Bespaly", "The Wife Saw Her Husband Off to Paris", "The Stem", "The Old Woman Saw Her Mother Off on Sunday" and "Styopka". Each of these stories is an independent sketch reflecting the microcosm of human destinies, passions, humor and pain inherent in life in a Russian village.

While working on the production, the theater group went to Altai, Shukshin's homeland. There they communicated with relatives and descendants of his characters, immersing themselves in the local flavor, dialect and manners. The first rehearsals took place in a real rural House of Culture, which gave the performance a special lifelike veracity.

The scenography amazes with its simplicity and symbolism. The main element of the stage is a simple wooden bench. Around it are portable installations with large black-and-white photographs of Altai residents, landscapes and household items. This apparent modesty is a brilliant move that allows us to focus on the main thing: Shukshin's text, the acting and the depth of human characters. The transitions between the stories are indicated only by moving the photo panels and rearranging the bench - like turning the pages of a book.

The stellar cast (Evgeny Mironov, Yulia Svezhakova, Pavel Akimkin, Yulia Peresild, Natalya Nozdrina, Elena Nikolaeva, Alexander Grishin, Alexander Novin and Dmitry Zhuravlev) play many roles. Their skill lies in complete transformation beyond recognition. From story to story, they instantly live a new life thanks to minimal changes in costume (headscarf, cap, boots), intonation and plasticity.

The performance features authentic folk songs and ditties, as well as the sounds of village life (the creaking of a cart, the barking of a dog, the crowing of a rooster), creating an immersive acoustic atmosphere of Shukshin's world.

This performance has remained relevant and loved by viewers for 15 years. It embodies Hermanis's method - "eyewitness theater", where documentary is combined with outstanding acting.

By purchasing tickets for the play "Shukshin's Stories" at the Theater of Nations, you get the opportunity to witness a unique theatrical study of the Russian soul under the direction of Yevgeny Mironov. This is an opportunity to see the acknowledged masters of the stage (led by People's Artist of the Russian Federation Yevgeny Mironov) at work at the highest level. The performance is not just a dramatization; it is an attempt to feel the same air that Shukshin's characters breathed. It allows you to feel the real Russia through his eyes - with its humor, pain and wisdom. The audience experiences the whole range of emotions - from uncontrollable laughter to deep thoughtfulness about life.