Author: Shostakovich, Dmitri

Publication Year: 1982

Media Type: Book

Summary:

Abstract:

I remember how they stopped a rehearsal of Hamlet at the Moscow Art Theatre. It was, if you can put it that way, Stalin's favorite theatre. More precisely, it was the only theatre that the leader approved fully and entirely. For the actor playing Hamlet, the banning of the play became a real tragedy. Hamlet had been his dream, everyone around him understood that this would have been a fantastic Hamlet. But Stalin's word was law, and the leader and teacher didn't even have to give a written order. There was no order, just a wish. Why forbid? You might go down in history with a less than noble image. It's better to merely ask, as Stalin did, Why is this necessary - playing Hamlet in the Art Theater, eh? That was all, that was enough. The play was removed and the actor drank himself to death.

And for many long years Hamlet was not seen on the Soviet stage. Everyone knew about Stalin's question directed at the Art Theatre and no one wanted to risk it. Everyone was afraid. (183-186)

Arts & Intersections:

Categories: International