Stanislavsky Theatre
Performed in Russian Premiere of this production: 06 Mar 2024 The performance has 1 intermission Running time: 2 hours 10 minutes The Stanislavsky Theatre, located in XIX century historical building just 750 metres (9-minute walk) from the Bolshoi, proudly presents this opera with a cast of exceptional artists, many of whom have performed on the stages of the Bolshoi Theatre and trained at the same prestigious academies that have nurtured generations of Russia’s leading opera and ballet performers. Their mastery and profound artistry bring Shchedrin’s rich emotional tapestry to life, creating a performance that combines historical authenticity with vivid dramatic power, offering the audience an unforgettable operatic experience. Opera at the Stanislavsky Theatre is the great and affordable alternative to the Bolshoi. In 1961, Rodion Shchedrin composed the opera Not Love Alone on a libretto by Vasily Katanian, inspired by the stories of Sergey Antonov. The action of the composer’s first work in the operatic genre unfolds in a Soviet collective farm village, ten years after the end of the Great Patriotic War. At the heart of the story is Varvara Vasilyevna, the chairwoman of the kolkhoz, who faces a difficult choice between her feelings for a young man and her professional duty. Under the direction of Evgeny Pisarev, the production remains entirely faithful to the historical period described in the libretto. Impressionistic scenography and nearly documentary-style costumes reflect the dual nature of Shchedrin’s music, in which lyricism is intertwined with contemporary folk songs and ditties. “Of course, the central theme is a lyrical story of unfulfilled love,” explains the director. “It is about the brokenness of the souls of strong people. These people have been scarred by war, suffocated by the harsh realities of collective farm life. And yet, they remain harmonious and full of the desire to live and love.” Felix Korobov, the theatre’s principal conductor, adds: “Within this roughly two-hour opera lies an immense spectrum of emotions, intertwining irony, humor, heartfelt intensity, and great tragedy. We are drawn into the whirlpool of passions, a unique cluster of dramatic energy comparable to that in Lady Macbeth of the Mtsensk District.” The production is a laureate of the Golden Mask Award in the categories of Best Opera Production and Best Director’s Work (2025). SynopsisThings are not going well at the collective farm run by Chairwoman Varvara Vasilyevna. It keeps raining, and work in the fields is impossible. General excitement is sparked by the arrival of Volodya Gavrilov, who has returned from the city. The girls are delighted, especially Volodya’s fiancée Natasha. The men, on the contrary, are unwelcoming — all the more so because Volodya behaves provocatively. A fight that is about to break out is stopped by Varvara Vasilyevna. She calls Volodya in for a talk to find out his plans. The collective farm is short of workers; every pair of hands counts. Volodya says that he has returned for good. Varvara is deeply moved. The collective farmers gather for a party. After the film screening, they sing folk ditties. An amateur brass and symphonic pop orchestra begins to perform. Volodya once again behaves defiantly, and Natasha reproaches him. When the dancing begins, Varvara Vasilyevna dances with Volodya. The affection that has arisen between them is no longer a secret to anyone. After the evening ends and everyone goes home, Varvara Vasilyevna and Volodya agree to meet the next day. On her way to the rendezvous with Volodya, Varvara Vasilyevna meets Natasha. Seeing the situation from a different perspective, she decides to renounce her feelings. Instead of a declaration of love, she gives Volodya instructions on repairing the cowshed. Life in the village returns to its usual course. | |||||||||||
