Sovremennik Theater

The Sovremennik Theater occupies a special place in the cultural life of the capital and all of Russia. This dramatic company, founded by a group of young enthusiasts in the middle of the last century, has over the decades of its existence nurtured an entire constellation of outstanding artists and given audiences hundreds of unforgettable productions. Located in the very center of Moscow on Chistoprudny Boulevard, the theater continues to remain one of the main cultural attractions of the city.

The Birth of a Theatrical Phenomenon

The history of the Sovremennik began in April 1956, when graduates of the MXAT Studio School presented to the public the play "Forever Alive" based on the play by Viktor Rozov. The premiere took place late in the evening of April fifteenth under the direction of Oleg Efremov. This production made such a strong impression on the audience that discussions of the play continued until morning. Initially, the company existed as a studio of independent artists and did not have its own building. Young actors rehearsed at night because they worked in other theaters during the day. Despite the modest conditions and small repertoire, those wishing to attend the performances lined up in long queues.

The Formation of a Professional Theater

The official name "Sovremennik" was given to the theater in 1958 thanks to the director of the MXAT, Alexander Solodovnikov. The initiative to create a full-fledged theater company belonged to Oleg Efremov, who saw enormous potential in the young troupe. In the first years, performances were staged on various venues in the capital — in houses of culture, workers' clubs, and on the stages of other Moscow theaters. In 1961, a landmark event occurred — the artists were allocated their own premises on Mayakovsky Street. Although the old building was cramped and long in need of repair, having a permanent venue became a powerful stimulus for creative growth. The company began to stage five to six premieres annually, actively participate in competition programs, and receive state awards.

The Era of Oleg Efremov

From 1956 to 1970, the theater developed under the leadership of Oleg Efremov, who laid the fundamental principles of the company's work. The main feature of his approach was democracy — all members of the troupe had equal rights, and the artistic director rather guided the process than dictated his will. Efremov encouraged actors to try their hand at directing and contribute their own ideas to productions. The theater's repertoire in those years was distinguished by boldness and modernity. The most resonant were the plays "The Naked King" based on the play by Evgeny Schwartz, "An Ordinary Story" based on the novel by Goncharov, and the historical trilogy that included "The Decembrists," "The Narodnaya Volya," and "The Bolsheviks." The theater sought to show history through the prism of human emotions and experiences, making the heroes more alive and understandable to the audience.

At the Origins of the Legend

The founders of the theater were not only Oleg Efremov, but also other talented artists — Galina Volchek, Evgeny Evstigneev, Oleg Tabakov, Igor Kvasha, and Lilia Tolmacheva. Each of them made an invaluable contribution to the formation of the unique creative style of the company. The theater developed the classical MXAT traditions, emphasizing psychological realism and the ethical component of the works.

New Life Under the Leadership of Galina Volchek

In the summer of 1970, Oleg Efremov left the Sovremennik, accepting an offer to head the MXAT. A significant part of the leading actors left with him, which put the theater on the brink of closure. In 1972, the troupe elected Galina Volchek as the new chief director, who led the theater for almost half a century — until 2019. Volchek managed not only to save the theater but also to breathe new life into it. She invited to the troupe such outstanding artists as Valentin Gaft, Liya Akhedzhakova, Marina Neyolova, Konstantin Raikin, and Yuri Bogatyryov. Under her leadership, the famous play "Ascent to Mount Fuji" was staged, which for the first time used the techniques of "poor theater" — actors performed without makeup and scenery, surrounded by the audience.

Recognition and Awards

In 1996, the theater was awarded the Order of Honor for its great contribution to the development of theatrical art. A year later, after performances on Broadway, the Sovremennik became the first foreign theater to receive the prestigious American Drama Desk Award. These achievements confirmed the world-class level of the Moscow troupe.

The Modern Stage of Development

After the death of Galina Volchek in December 2019, the director Viktor Ryzhakov was appointed artistic director, who led the theater until July 2022. Then management was carried out by an artistic council of actors from the troupe. Since August 2024, the theater has been headed by Vladimir Mashkov, who combines this position with the leadership of the Tabakov Theater.

The Repertoire of the Sovremennik Theater

Today, the repertoire includes more than thirty plays of the most diverse genres and directions. The theater remains true to its tradition — two-thirds of the productions belong to contemporary authors, but classics also occupy a worthy place on the playbill.

Classical Productions

Chekhov's "The Cherry Orchard" enjoys particular love from the public, which fills the halls year after year. Audiences come to enjoy the unsurpassed acting and the depth of the directorial interpretation of the classical work. The repertoire also includes Chekhov's "Three Sisters" and Bernard Shaw's "Pygmalion."

Contemporary Dramaturgy

Among the most significant contemporary productions is the play "Gorbunov and Gorchakov" based on the poem by Joseph Brodsky, where the main roles are performed by Nikita Efremov and Artur Smolyaninov. The action takes place in a psychiatric clinic, where two characters opposite in nature conduct a philosophical dialogue about the boundary between madness and sanity. The experimental production "Playing... Schiller!" presents an unexpected interpretation of the classical tragedy "Mary Stuart." The director boldly plunges into the psychological complexes of crowned persons, showing their human weaknesses and sufferings.

The Star Troupe

The theater's company consists entirely of stars of the national stage and cinema. Over the years, Marina Neyolova, Chulpan Khamatova, Sergei Garmash, Alyona Babenko, and many other outstanding artists have shone here. The theater works with renowned directors — Rimas Tuminas, Nikolai Kolyada, Kirill Serebrennikov, Valery Fokin.

The Theater's Venues

The Sovremennik has three stages for productions. The Main Stage is located in a historic building built in 1914 on Chistoprudny Boulevard, house 19A. The mansion was designed by the famous architect Roman Klein for the Coliseum cinema and is an example of neoclassicism with elements of modernism.

The History of the Buildings

The theater moved to its current location in 1974, when the previous building on Mayakovsky Square finally became dilapidated. In 2003, a modern eight-story complex was added to the main building, on the lower floors of which the "Other Stage" was placed. The design of the facade and interiors was created by the artist Alexander Borovsky. From autumn 2016 to December 2018, the main stage was closed for major repairs. During the restoration, the historic appearance of the Coliseum building was partially restored, the stucco decor of the facade was refurbished, and the stage equipment was completely modernized. During the repairs, performances were held at the Palace on Yauza at Zhuravleva Square, house 1.

Tours Around the World

Over the decades of its existence, the troupe has toured many cities in Russia and abroad. The first tours took place in 1958 in Irkutsk, and the first trip abroad — in 1966 to Czechoslovakia. Sovremennik's performances were successfully staged in the USA, Germany, France, Switzerland, Israel, and other countries. In 2017, the theater became the first Russian company to hold large-scale tours in London.

Practical Information for Visitors

The main stage is located in the Basmanny district of Moscow at the address: Chistoprudny Boulevard, house 19A. The theater can be reached on foot in ten minutes from the metro stations "Chistye Prudy," "Sretensky Boulevard," or "Turgenevskaya." Ticket prices vary depending on the performance and seat in the hall — from affordable to premium options costing up to 10,000 rubles. Tickets can be purchased on the theater's official website sovremennik.ru, where the current playbill for all three venues is also presented.

Venue Addresses

Main Stage: Chistoprudny Boulevard, 19A (metro "Chistye Prudy") Other Stage: same location, Chistoprudny Boulevard, 19 (in the attached complex) Palace on Yauza: Zhuravleva Square, 1 (metro "Elektrozavodskaya")

Legacy and Traditions

The Moscow Sovremennik Theater remains true to the principles laid down by its founders more than sixty years ago. The main feature of all productions is their realism and psychological depth. The theater continues to delight the public with exquisite acting and bold directorial decisions, remaining one of the pearls of Moscow's cultural life.