Closer to the Stars: Novopolotsk Signs Agreement with the Bolshoi Opera and Ballet Theatre of Belarus

Today Polotsk celebrates its 57th anniversary. And on the eve of the birthday, a significant event took place in the cultural life of the city: a trilateral cooperation agreement was signed between the National Academic Grand Opera and Ballet Theatre of the Republic of Belarus, the city executive committee, and OJSC "Naftan".

Today Polotsk celebrates its 57th anniversary. And on the eve of the birthday, a significant event took place in the cultural life of the city: a trilateral cooperation agreement was signed between the National Academic Grand Opera and Ballet Theatre of the Republic of Belarus, the city executive committee, and OJSC "Naftan". The agreement is designed to develop the aesthetic tastes of the residents of the oil city and to introduce as many viewers as possible to the treasures of world classical art.

The Grand Theatre of the Republic of Belarus has earned well-deserved recognition in various countries around the world. But in addition to touring abroad and its main activities in Minsk, it carries out extensive educational work in all regions of the country, striving to expand its audience. Three years ago, the leadership of Polotsk came up with a reciprocal initiative, and a branch of the theatre was established in the oil city – the second after the one in Mogilev.

During this time, over 10,000 people were able to watch 16 performances brought from the capital on the stage of the Palace of Culture of OJSC "Naftan". Highly artistic opera and ballet productions have become more accessible to the residents of the largest petrochemical industry center and the surrounding regions of Vitebsk. The project generated great interest and proved to be in demand. That is why it was decided to extend the agreement for another three years.

- We hope to continue cooperating just as effectively and productively, - said the Chairman of the Polotsk City Executive Committee, Dmitry Demidov, during the signing ceremony of the agreement, heartily thanking the management and artists of the theatre on behalf of all the residents of Polotsk.

Dmitry Vladimirovich emphasized that friendship with the country's leading theater enhances Polotsk's status as a significant cultural and educational center, and also contributes to improving the performances of amateur artists who strive for high standards of professional art and perfect their skills. One-third of the city's population is young people, and they have every opportunity for successful development of their talents.

The General Director of OJSC "Naftan" Vladimir Tretyakov also highly appreciated the results of the three-year cooperation, both as a true connoisseur of opera and as one of the project organizers. Vladimir Konstantinovich attends all performances, and after each one, he talks with theater representatives, discussing ways to improve work formats and technical stage capabilities. Such paternal care and sincere interest are appreciated by the artists and the management of the cultural institution. It is noteworthy that the theater chose the Novopolotsk venue for rehearsals of the ballet "Swan Lake" before its foreign tour, as the hall of the Palace of Culture of OJSC "Naftan" meets international standards.

There is an idea to adopt the experience of European countries in attracting student and youth audiences to performances. To achieve this, it is necessary to find ways to reduce ticket prices, although the project is not commercial even now, and the prices for productions are quite affordable.

- The initiative was excellent, the project was a success. The results are encouraging and inspire confidence. We will strive to visit Novopolotsk more often, bringing one performance per month, - stated the General Director of the Bolshoi Opera and Ballet Theater of the Republic of Belarus, Vladimir Gridushko.

He emphasized that residents of Novopolotsk and guests of the city had the opportunity to see the troupe's best performances and best artists. To attract audiences, the theater prepares many premieres, and all of them will become available to the residents of the oil city. It is planned to bring a concert dedicated to the 70th anniversary of the Great Victory to Novopolotsk.

On the day the agreement was signed, the ballet "Don Quixote" was shown on the stage of the Palace of Culture of OJSC "Naftan". The grateful Novopolotsk audience greeted the artists with ovations.

Larisa Malashenya, "Vitebskiye vesti"