Great Theatre Companies of the World #4: Moscow Art Theatre – A Trailblazer of Psychological Realism

This is the fourth in a series of posts about great theatre companies of the world, both past and present. To qualify, each theatre company must either be or have been influential on a global scale. For many of these companies, their influence has been as a result of a driving force, often the artistic director/s. For some, this has resulted in decades of groundbreaking productions. Today’s article outlines the sheer influence of the Moscow Art Theatre in Russia at the turn of the 20th century. For Stanislavski, this is where it all began.

You may be interested in previous posts in this series:

History

The Moscow Art Theatre (MAT) stands as a beacon of excellence in theatre. Founded on June 22, 1898, during a legendary 18-hour meeting between Konstantin Stanislavski and Vladimir Nemirovich-Danchenko, the MAT emerged from a shared dissatisfaction with the state of Russian theatre, which was dominated by melodrama and stylised performances.

Stanislavski, an amateur actor from a wealthy merchant family, brought his experience in organising the Society of Art and Literature. Nemirovich-Danchenko, a respected playwright and teacher at the Moscow Philharmonic School of Music and Drama, contributed his literary expertise and pedagogical skills. Together, they envisioned a new kind of theatrical institution that would revolutionise the art form.

The early years of the theatre were marked by financial hardship. Despite these challenges, the MAT’s 1898 production of Alexei Tolstoy’s “Tsar Fyodor Ioannovich” was a resounding success, establishing the theatre as a serious artistic force. This production set the tone for the MAT’s commitment to historical accuracy in costumes and sets and its emphasis on ensemble acting.

In 1902, the theatre moved to its iconic home on Kamergersky Lane, where it remains today. During the Soviet era, the theatre was renamed the Moscow Academic Art Theatre (MXAT) and received state support, which allowed for greater artistic freedom but also brought political pressures. In 1987, the theatre split into two troupes: the Chekhov MAT and the Gorky MAT, each continuing the legacy of the original institution in its own right.

Influence and Significance

The Moscow Art Theatre’s influence on world theatre is far-reaching. It revolutionised theatrical practice by championing a naturalistic approach, rejecting the artificial and declamatory style prevalent at the time. The MAT’s approach to theatre emphasised psychological realism, seeking to portray the inner lives of characters with unprecedented depth and subtlety.

One of the MAT’s most significant contributions was the development of the Stanislavski System. This psycho-physical approach to acting, which emphasises the actor’s emotional connection to the character, became the foundation for many subsequent acting methods. The American “Method” acting, popularised by Lee Strasberg and others, is a direct descendant of Stanislavski’s work at the MAT.

The theatre also played a crucial role in establishing Anton Chekhov as one of the world’s great playwrights. The MAT’s productions of Chekhov’s works, including “The Seagull,” “Uncle Vanya,” and “The Cherry Orchard,” set new artistic standards. The theatre’s interpretation of Chekhov’s carefully crafted writing style revealed depth in his previously unrecognised work.

The MAT’s influence extended to all aspects of theatrical production, including set design, costumes, and props in the style of theatrical realism. The theatre’s commitment to long rehearsal periods and in-depth character exploration became a model for serious theatre companies worldwide. Moreover, the MAT established a repertory system that influenced theatre companies globally.

Notable Productions

Throughout its history, the Moscow Art Theatre has been home to numerous groundbreaking productions. The 1898 production of Chekhov’s “The Seagull” stands as a watershed moment, revealing the deep psychological undercurrents of Chekhov’s work and defining the theatre’s artistic direction for years to come. Subsequent productions of Chekhov’s plays, including “Uncle Vanya” (1899), “The Three Sisters” (1901), and “The Cherry Orchard” (1904), further cemented the MAT’s reputation for psychological realism and ensemble acting.

Beyond Chekhov, the MAT’s repertoire showcased its versatility and commitment to artistic innovation. Maxim Gorky’s “The Lower Depths” (1902) was a landmark production that demonstrated the theatre’s ability to handle gritty, socially relevant drama. The play, set in a squalid flophouse, offered a raw and unflinching look at the lives of Russia’s impoverished underclass. The MAT’s production was notable for its stark realism and the depth of its character portrayals, which brought Gorky’s vivid, often brutal world to life on stage. This production expanded the boundaries of what was considered acceptable subject matter for the stage and solidified Gorky’s place as a major dramatist.

Maurice Maeterlinck’s “The Blue Bird” (1908) showcased the MAT’s range in tackling more fantastical, symbolist works. This production was a departure from the naturalism for which the MAT was known, embracing a more stylised and dreamlike aesthetic. The play’s allegorical journey, in which two children search for the elusive Blue Bird of Happiness, highlighted the theatre’s ability to adapt to different theatrical styles while maintaining their commitment to emotional truth.

Henrik Ibsen’s “An Enemy of the People” (1900) resonated with Russian audiences for its themes of individual conscience versus the pressure of society. The MAT’s production emphasised the moral and ethical dilemmas faced by the protagonist, Dr. Stockmann, and the social forces against him. This production was notable for its exploration of the conflict between truth and expediency, a theme that resonated deeply in the socio-political context of the time.

Leo Tolstoy’s “The Power of Darkness” (1902) was a harrowing tale of moral degradation that pushed the boundaries of what could be depicted on stage. The play, which deals with themes of sin, guilt, and redemption, was given a powerful and intense production by the MAT. The theatre’s commitment to psychological realism and detailed character work brought Tolstoy’s complex characters and their moral struggles vividly to life.

In 1911, the theatre took on Shakespeare with a production of “Hamlet” that showcased Stanislavski’s evolving ideas about acting and direction. This production emphasised the psychological realism of Shakespeare’s characters, offering a fresh perspective on one of the most famous plays in the theatrical canon. Stanislavski’s approach to “Hamlet” focused on the internal conflicts and motivations of the characters, particularly the titular prince, whose existential dilemmas were explored with unprecedented depth. The production was praised for its innovative interpretation and the subtle performances of its cast, further solidifying the Moscow Art Theatre’s reputation for artistic excellence.

Notable Performers and Collaborators

The Moscow Art Theatre has been home to some of the most influential figures in the history of theatre. Its founders, Stanislavski and Nemirovich-Danchenko, were not only visionary leaders but also accomplished practitioners in their own right. Stanislavski’s performances were lauded for their psychological depth and naturalism, while Nemirovich-Danchenko’s literary expertise and pedagogical skills were crucial in shaping the MAT’s approach to text and character.

Olga Knipper, who would later become Chekhov’s wife, was one of the MAT’s leading actresses, originating many of Chekhov’s most famous female roles. Ivan Moskvin, another original MAT actor, was renowned for his versatility and emotional range. The theatre also nurtured talents who would go on to become influential in their own right, such as Vsevolod Meyerhold, Michael Chekhov, and Yevgeny Vakhtangov.

In the latter half of the 20th century, figures like Alla Tarasova, Oleg Efremov, and Innokenty Smoktunovsky continued to uphold the MAT’s traditions while also bringing new perspectives to the theatre. Each of these performers and collaborators contributed to the rich tapestry of the Moscow Art Theatre’s history, ensuring that its influence continues to be felt in theatres around the world.

Today, more than a century after its founding, the Moscow Art Theatre remains a vital force in world theatre. Its legacy of psychological realism, ensemble acting, and artistic integrity continues to inspire theatre practitioners globally.