Moscow Drama Theater named after Pushkin

The Moscow Drama Theater named after A.S. Pushkin holds a special place in the cultural life of the capital. This institution, with its rich history, talented troupe, and diverse repertoire, attracts thousands of spectators every year. Located on Tverskoy Boulevard in a historic 17th-century building, the theater continues the traditions of the Russian theatrical school while remaining open to new experiments.

The History of the Theater: From the Kamerny to the Pushkin Theater

The Era of Alexander Tairov and the Kamerny Theater

The history of the Pushkin Theater is inextricably linked to the legendary Kamerny Theater of Alexander Tairov. In 1914, the young director, together with his wife, actress Alisa Koonen, was searching for a suitable venue for his theatrical project. Their attention was drawn to a mysterious mansion on Tverskoy Boulevard with a beautiful black wooden door. Tairov saw great potential in the vacant building. After reconstruction carried out according to the design of architect N. Morozov, an auditorium and a stage were added to the mansion. On December 12, 1914, the Kamerny Theater opened with the premiere of the ancient Indian drama “Shakuntala” by Kalidasa. The opening was preceded by disputes with church authorities, who objected to the theater being located next to the Church of St. John the Evangelist, but permission was ultimately granted. The Kamerny Theater quickly gained recognition. The genre diversity of its productions—from tragedy to buffoonery—its own unique theatrical language, and the famous Tairov method of training a “synthetic” actor made it one of the most popular theaters in Moscow. The troupe was considered the best in Europe.

The Closure of the Kamerny and the Birth of a New Theater

The innovative repertoire that brought the Kamerny Theater fame ultimately became the reason for its closure. In 1949, the theater was shut down for “aestheticism and formalism.” However, already in 1950, on the basis of the reorganized Kamerny, the Moscow Drama Theater named after A.S. Pushkin was opened. The theater building on Tverskoy Boulevard, house 23, is an architectural monument of the 17th century. In the 1930s, large-scale reconstruction projects were considered, including a proposal by architect Georgy Golts, but none of them were realized.

Artistic Directors: Eras and Styles

Vasily Vanin: The Founder of New Traditions

The first artistic director was Vasily Vasilyevich Vanin, People’s Artist of the USSR and three-time laureate of the Stalin Prize. A talented theater and film actor, Vanin laid the foundations of the repertoire policy, focusing on Russian classics and contemporary national drama. On October 21, 1950, the premiere of the first production, “From a Spark,” about Stalin’s youth, took place, followed by productions of “Stolen Happiness,” “John – Soldier of Peace,” and “Krechinsky’s Wedding,” in which Vanin played his final role as Rasplyuev.

Boris Ravensky: The Era of High Romanticism

From 1960, the theater was headed by Boris Ivanovich Ravensky, People’s Artist of Russia. His name is associated with the era of high romanticism in the history of the institution. Fanatically devoted to art, the director was a free artist who created vivid, energetic productions. Ravensky began his work with the production of the comedy “Pig Tails,” which became a firework of directorial ideas. Then, in 28 days, the play “Teresa’s Birthday” about Cuba was created. His productions featured outstanding performances by L.O. Gritsenko, L.A. Skopina, Yu.I. Averin, and S.K. Bubnov. Under Ravensky, the talents of Vera Alentova, Lev Markov, Vladimir Nosik, and other artists were discovered.

The Modern Period: From Kozak to Pisarev

In subsequent years, the theater was led by Boris Tolmazov, Boris Morozov, and Yuri Eremin. The latter became famous for the searing sincerity of his productions, the transformation of theatrical space, and the involvement of the audience in the action. His play “Ward No. 6” became a cultural shock and one of the most popular productions of the late 1980s. In 2001, Roman Kozak, Honored Artist of the Russian Federation, became the artistic director. His policy consisted of inviting high-level directors. During his tenure, Kozak staged 15 productions, including “Ward No. 6,” “The Academy of Laughter,” and “Dzhan.” Since June 2010, the theater has been headed by Evgeny Pisarev, who continues the tradition of attracting talented directors and expanding the repertoire.

Repertoire: From Classics to Contemporary Experiments

Diversity of Genres and Directions

The repertoire of the Moscow Pushkin Theater is distinguished by its maximum diversity. It features both recognized classical works and plays by contemporary authors. Audiences can see traditional productions and experimental works, dramatic performances and lively comedies, detective stories, and even musicals. On the main stage, productions include “The Marriage of Figaro,” “Drums in the Night” (directed by Yuri Butusov), “Zoyka’s Apartment,” “Cosmos” (directed by Igor Teplov), “The Servant of Two Masters” (directed by Yuri Muravitsky), the chamber musical “O. Henry’s Christmas” (directed by Alexander Frandetti), and many other performances.

The Branch on Sytyinsky Lane

The theater has a branch on Sytyinsky Lane, where a chamber stage with 100 seats is located. Small-form productions, mainly by contemporary authors, are staged here. The branch repertoire includes “The Road of Change,” “Gardenia,” “Cats and Mice,” “Made in the USSR,” and “The Seminar”—works that address topical issues of modern life.

The Theater Troupe: Stars and Talents

The Permanent Ensemble

The Pushkin Theater troupe includes well-known and beloved actors: Vera Alentova, Viktoria Isakova, Alexander Arsentyev, Taisiya Vilkova, Vladimir Zherebtsov, Andrey Ursulyak, Alexander Feoktistov, Alexander Matrosov, Andrey Sukhov, Sergey Lanbamin, Vera Leskova, and many other talented artists.

Legendary Artists of the Past

Throughout its history, the theater has collaborated with stars of the Russian stage and cinema: Andrey Panin, Vladimir Vysotsky, Valery Nosik, Faina Ranevskaya, Alexander Porokhovshchikov, Ivan Urgant, and Nikolai Fomenko. For certain productions, actors from other theaters are invited, including Maria Aronova, Maxim Vitorgan, Olga Volkova, Mikhail Zhigalov, Alexander Petrov, and Grigory Siytvinanda.

Practical Information for Visitors

Location and How to Get There

Theater address: Moscow, Tverskoy Boulevard, building 23. The nearest metro stations are “Pushkinskaya,” “Tverskaya,” and “Chekhovskaya,” located at the intersection of Tverskoy Boulevard and Tverskaya Street. It is just a 5-minute walk from the metro to the theater.

Tickets and Prices

Ticket prices vary depending on the performance and range from 700 to 10,000 rubles. Tickets can be purchased at the theater box office or online on the official website. Upon purchase, it is necessary to keep the receipt and present it together with the ticket at the entrance. Box office hours of the main stage: daily from 12:00 to 20:00, break from 15:00 to 16:00. The branch box office operates without a break: on days with daytime performances from 12:00 to 16:00, and evening performances from 15:00 to 20:00.

Seating Plan

The main stage features a spacious stalls area, an amphitheater, a mezzanine, a balcony, as well as box seats in the stalls, mezzanine, and balconies. A detailed seating plan can be viewed on the theater’s official website before purchasing tickets.

Additional Activities of the Theater

In addition to its production work, the Moscow Drama Theater named after A.S. Pushkin is actively engaged in educational activities. The institution conducts guided tours and school programs during which participants learn about the history of the theater, get acquainted with backstage life, and discover the craft of acting. The theater regularly participates in cultural events such as “Night at the Museum” and “Night of the Arts,” opening its doors to the general public. Contacts:
Main stage box office phone: +7 (495) 694-12-89
Branch box office phone: +7 (495) 650-18-96
Official website: teatrpushkin.ru
Email: [email protected]

Conclusion

The Moscow Drama Theater named after A.S. Pushkin is a living organism that continues to evolve and surprise its audiences. Preserving the traditions of the Russian theatrical school and the legacy of Tairov’s legendary Kamerny Theater, it remains open to new forms and experiments. A multifaceted repertoire, a vibrant troupe, and original directorial works make this theater attractive to the widest possible audience—from lovers of classical drama to admirers of contemporary art. Every performance here is an event worth seeing with your own eyes.