The Yanka Kupala National Academic Drama Theatre will celebrate its anniversary with new productions

One of Belarus's oldest theaters, which was once called BDT-2 (meaning the second after Kupalovsky), will celebrate its round anniversary in November 2016. However, the current year is also considered юбилейный, as the 90th season has begun. The Kolas Theater decided to open it a month earlier, but traditionally with the play "Nesterka". This rare production has become a symbol, a calling card of the theater. For over 70 years, it has been filling halls. This was also the case last Tuesday, when the timeless comedy by Vitaly Volsky was performed on stage.

What will the theater delight its audiences with this season? How is it preparing for the upcoming celebration? This was discussed at a press conference attended by Artistic Director Valery Anisenko, Director Alexander Starykh, Chief Artist Svetlana Makarenko, Head of the Literary and Dramatic Department Alexander Zamkovsky, and Director Mikhail Krasnobayev.

A large-scale production for the 90th anniversary will be the play "Kalasy pad syarpom tvaim" based on the novel of the same name by Vladimir Korotkevich, which Valery Anisenko is undertaking. The entire troupe will be involved, and the premiere is planned for 2016. The artistic director will also present his new work based on the play "Bely aniol z chornyimi krylami" by contemporary Belarusian author Diana Barysko to the audience.

– It raises a very acute problem – the spread of drugs. This must be fought by the whole world, including through art. The theater must ask relevant questions, make the audience think, – believes Valery Anisenko.

Among the premieres of the new season is "Symon-muzyka". At one time, a play based on the poem of the same name by Yakub Kolas was already staged in Vitebsk, but director Mikhail Krasnobayev is convinced that the themes raised by the Belarusian classic are eternal. The theater just needs to find a modern form of presentation. For the Christmas and New Year holidays, Mikhail Krasnobayev will stage "The Snow Queen".

As Alexander Starykh noted, the theater does not have the funds to invite famous directors (as it was in previous years). However, the path is open for novice directors from the Kolas troupe. A few months ago, the premiere of the play "The Beauty Queen of Linen" took place, directed by actress and student of the Belarusian State Academy of Arts Irina Tishkevich. Now, another actress, who is also studying directing, Nina Obukhova, will present her diploma work to the Vitebsk public – "Shadows" based on the works of Frantsishak Olekhnovich. The play is interesting because it will reflect pages from the biography of Frantsishak Olekhnovich himself, who at one time was the first head of the literary department of the Kolas Theater.

According to the director, the performances, as before, will be held 6 days a week, except for Monday. Although the problem of hall occupancy remains. Unfortunately, the theater's focus on high art does not coincide with the audience's desire for simple entertainment.

– The name of our theater includes the word "dramatic." It is drama that educates a person, makes them think. I hope we will continue to adhere to this course, noted the artistic director.

We just need to try to stage worthy drama in an interesting way, so that it excites people. And there are examples of this. Performances such as "Romeo and Juliet," "Until the Third Roosters," and "Bury Me Behind the Baseboard" are running to sold-out houses.

The lack of funds does not allow the troupe to tour outside the country. We have to be content with exchange trips with Belarusian troupes. In September, the Gomel Theater will perform on the Vitebsk stage, and in October, the Kolas troupe will go to the city on the Sozh River. Participation in international and republican festivals is also still in question. By the way, our theater is the only one among the regional theaters that has the status of a national theater.

The oldest troupe, on the eve of its anniversary, appeals to the audience with a call: "Love the Kolas Theater as much as it loves you!"

Tatyana Pasternak, "Vitebsk News".