THE SEEN AND THE UNSEEN OF RUSSIA’S FIRST THEATER
The latest episode of “St. Petersburg’s Storeys” is all about the Alexandrinsky, Russia’s first theater.
With the Alexandrinsky, Carlo Rossi created the most advanced theater in Europe. It was astonishing in every way, from stage tricks, like trap doors that allowed actors to appear and disappear, to innovative construction technologies. It was the first building to use a special cast iron structure for the roof. The unorthodox solution was tested by leading engineers and architects, including Montferrand and Bazaine. A number of field tests followed. The model structure performed well, and the Emperor issued his approval for construction. Still, it would have to stand the test of time. A full 170 years passed before the roof of the theater had to undergo repairs. In this episode, we’ll rise to the loft of the Alexandrinsky and see it for ourselves.
As for Rossi, he received a “permanent ticket” to second-balcony Box 14 from Nicholas I. This was the same balcony as Pushkin’s box. The Emperor himself had several boxes and secret passages in the theater, as we’ll see in this episode.
That said, the Alexandrinsky Theatre is not just a keeper of the past but also a place of bold experimentation and innovation. To take a good look, join us on an exciting trip across the well-seen and hidden spots of the Alexandrinsky.
0:00 - Welcome to the Alexandrinsky!
00:47 - Setting up the scenery
02:29 - Foyer and box seats
05:37 - Unusual descent under the stage
07:00 - Entering the Emperor’s personal box
08:20 - Acoustic tunnel
09:19 - Surprises of the Russian Drama Museum
11:00 - Painting and cut-and-pasting
12:30 - From portraits to bullets
13:25 - Entering the loft
14:53 - Alexandrinsky’s New Stage
15:55 - Stage: transformation, activation!
16:29 - Trap room
17:12 - Fly tower
18:34 - Media Center: Internet, TV, theater
19:37 - Big room for big rehearsals
We would like to thank the Administration of the Alexandrinsky Theatre for assistance in the making of this episode!
Personal thanks to:
✴️Alexander Chepurov, Deputy Artistic Director
✴️Renat Tumarov, Deputy Director of Art & Production Department
✴️Igor Kuzmichev, Art & Production Manager
✴️Alexander Malich, General Producer, Head of the New Stage Media Center
✴️Sergey Prikladovsky, Deputy General Producer, Deputy Head of the New Stage Media Center
✴️Anna Rastrogina, Deputy Manager of Radio & Sound Department
✴️Elena Sylova, Lead Specialist of Creative & Research Department