A new reading of Shamyakin’s novel “Heart in the Palm” was shown at the Kupalovsky Theater

The premiere of one of the most reverent works of the national writer of Belarus Ivan Shamyakin was held on the main stage of the Yanka Kupala National Academic Theatre. The drama reveals the themes of human suffering, moral choice and betrayal, reflects the social and moral contradictions of the post-war period, but leaves no doubt: good always wins.

Reflecting on a new staging, the artistic director of the theater and the director of the acclaimed performances “A Dawns Are Quiet Here” and “Uncle’s Dream”, Dmitry Akimov chose Shamyakin’s lyrical novel to pay tribute to the memory of the great Belarusian writer. The reason was the 105th anniversary of the birth of the classic: – “Heart in the palm” – a work that truly affects the soul. It was written by a man who knows firsthand what the Great Patriotic War is, what horrors it brought and how people survived in the postwar period. The book is filled with deep psychologicalism, relevant at all times, raises questions of conscience, faith, choice. All this is reflected in the play.

The new production is a serious conversation with the audience and a new look at the repertoire of the theater. Dmitry Akimov, who joined the creative team this year and previously staged performances in Russian theaters, told what updates are expected:

- The plans are to build Kupalovsky’s repertory policy based on national culture and literature. This will help shape the face of the theater, add fresh colors. Theatre is an institution that is sensitive to modern trends in culture, feels the pulse of time, so we have no right to stop. We invite the public to our great journey through the best works of Belarusian authors. The main thing that the creative team headed by the director wanted to achieve, so that the premiere and future performances were perceived by the audience on a sensual and intellectual level, and found additional meanings for themselves. The novel “Heart in the Palm”, like other works, where the military chronicle and the consequences of the bloody event are allotted, struck Dmitry Akimov. He visited the Museum of the History of the Great Patriotic War, studied the history of Minsk. With interest he discovered the novel of Ivan Shamyakin, where a great place is given to the theme of the Belarusian underground.

The main character Anton Yarosh, according to the novel, is an exceptionally positive character, in the play more lively and in a good sense earthly. Unperfect, with its own fears and mistakes. Other heroes are not without flaws. Actor Pavel Drakin plays journalist Kirill Shikovic - a person impulsive, hot-tempered, enthusiastic, who seeks at all costs to restore the truth about the past. The role of Zosi is played by actress Tatiana Gulevich. She considers her character a bright and subtle nature, struggling with difficult circumstances and wanting to help others.

Actor Alexander Pashkevich got the role of Chairman of the Executive Committee, one of the leaders of the military underground. His character is opposed to the main characters, but it is difficult to call him a villain:

- My hero Semyon Gukan is ambiguous, but not a monster. He knows how to love and defends his country. Although at first glance he is just a party bureaucrat, a careerist and an adapter. He wrote a false denunciation, and it gnaws and torments him all his life. The fear that people will know the truth is even more confusing. I wish at the end of my story, the audience would regret it. Whether he deserves forgiveness is up to him.

The team managed to achieve the drama through strong dialogue, play of light and shadows. But AI, which the director considers a useful theatrical tool, was bypassed. Primary were intuition and material:

“The production is an interesting approach to understanding the tragic events that changed the life of each hero,” Dmitry Akimov said. On stage, a story about sincerity, love for people, yourself, family, who are able to save the world. The past doesn't dissolve. It is embodied in children, their joys and sufferings. We owe our conscience to them. But sometimes, to move on, you need to take the painful step of opening the chest and cutting out a long-standing resentment. This is the new “heart in the palm”. nev@sb.by