Theatrical Notes

Pyotr Andreevich Karatygin (1805 - 1879) - hereditary actor, playwright, teacher, memoirist - recalls his youth and that of Russian theater. In the early 19th century, the entire picture of theatrical life in Russia changes: the number of theatrical troupes increases, and the composition of actors expands. Renowned authors write, translate, and adapt works of various genres specifically for the stage. The Imperial Theaters emerge in Moscow and St. Petersburg, which, despite their grand name, did not differ much from today's theaters in terms of actor relationships: passions boiled, arrangements were made, intrigues were woven. Before you is a sort of encyclopedia of an entire theatrical era in portraits. How did Krylov perceive the "screen adaptations" of his fables? Where did the expression "the game is not worth the candle" come from? Did Griboedov have any more popular contemporaries who loved him?.. Pyotr Andreevich Karatygin narrates about this and much more with his characteristic wit, irony, and observational skills.