Vertinsky spoke to the Kalugans through time

On the eve of the Kaluga Youth Theatre in the framework of the festival “New People” Nikitinsky Theatre from Voronezh presented a musical performance “Vertinsky” based on the artist’s book “Dear Long...”.

The production of Boris Alekseev did not become a familiar biographical narrative. Instead of a consistent retelling of events, the audience was offered a kind of conversation of the artist with himself, his era and the audience.

Over one stage night, decades of Vertinsky’s life flashed before his eyes – from performances in a cabaret during the Civil War to emigration and returning to his homeland.

What was the man behind the famous Piero mask? What was behind the heartfelt romances that listeners still know and love?

The performance offers to see Vertinsky not only as an outstanding performer, but also as a vulnerable, controversial person who had to survive separation from his native land, wandering around different countries and a difficult return home.

A special place in the production is occupied by the musical works of the artist. Each romance here turns into an independent story, revealing the experiences, memories and inner world of the author.

Through songs, viewers come into contact with themes that do not lose relevance: finding their place, homesickness, love, misunderstanding and the desire to keep themselves in a cruel world.

The musical basis of the performance is a live piano accompaniment. Boris and Irina Alexeev do not try to literally repeat Vertinsky’s performing style, but offer their own reading of his works, preserving the characteristic atmosphere and author’s intonation.

Boris Alekseev acted not only as the performer of the role of Alexander Vertinsky, but also as the director of the production. Irina Alekseeva embodied the image of Pani Irena and became the musical director of the play and an accompanist.

The history of Vertinsky in the reading of the Nikitinsky Theatre is a reminder that behind the creative heritage of great artists there is always a living human destiny. And sometimes it is music that allows you to hear what ordinary words are missing.

The festival is implemented with the support of the Presidential Fund for Cultural Initiatives and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Kaluga region.

As told earlier “MK in Kaluga”, in Kaluga planned another children’s cultural center.