The Beginnings of Modern Realism (The Moscow Art Theatre & Realism in Russia) Although Russia had begun a realistic school of writing, theatrical production still preserved conventions from the 17th century. Visits from the Meiningen Players in 1885 and 1890 revealed to Russian producers how far behind they were in theatrical arts. However, little progress was made until the Moscow Art Theatre (MAT) was formed by Konstantin Stanislavsky and Vladimir Nemirovich-Danchenko in 1898. The MAT differed from other independent theatres in that it was a fully professional organization from the start. The MAT first gained attention for a production of Alexei Tolstoy’s Tsar Feodor Ivanovich, praised for (clearly influenced by the Meiningen Players): Painstaking re-creation of Russia in 1600 Ensemble acting Absence of “star” actors The MAT as it stands today. Image: http://www.pbase.com/image/22015734 1

The Beginnings of Modern Realism (Anton Checkhov) Checkhov (1860-1904) began his career writing vaudeville sketches and short, comic-pathetic plays. His entire reputation is built upon four plays: The Sea Gull, Uncle Vanya, The Three Sisters, and The Cherry Orchard – all produced at the MAT with great success. All of his plays are set in rural Russia and depict the frustrating life of the landowning class. The characters all aspire to a better life, but do not know how, or lack the initiative, to achieve their goals. They plays are infinitely detailed, but the connections are not always obvious. Advanced study is usually necessary to truly understand them. Anton Checkhov. Image: https://www.britannica.com/biography/Anton-Chekhov 2

The Beginnings of Modern Realism (The MAT) The methods of the MAT were well adapted to the demands of Checkhov’s plays. Director Konstantin Stanislavsky always spent a long period of time researching a play before rehearsals began. He insisted on careful attention to detail from each actor. When possible he would actually visit the site of the play’s setting, and if unable to do so, he completed extensive research. The MAT production of Checkhov’s Uncle Vanya. Image: http://americanrepertorytheater.org/node/1054 3

The Beginnings of Modern Realism (The MAT) Despite the MAT’s initial success with The Sea Gull, it ended its first season in debt. It was saved by the generosity of its patrons. It was then able to build its own theatre building in 1902 and hire more actors. The building included workshops and up-to- date equipment, including a revolving stage. From then on, the MAT staged 3 to 5 new plays each year. Image: http://peopleslight.org/production/cherry-orchard 4

The Beginnings of Modern Realism (The House of Gorky) In addition to Checkhov, the MAT also encouraged Maxim Gorky, already famous as a writer of realistic stories. Gorky was very involved in the political struggles of the day, including the Revolution of 1905. His activities caused him to be exiled. Due to his reputation as a champion of the proletariat (working class), he was eventually named head of the Soviet writers’ union. As a result, the MAT became known as the House of Gorky. Maxim Gorky, another highly influential playwright. Image: http://www.silive.com/homegarden/index.ssf/2012/06/ scandal_maxim_gorky_and_a_hous.html 5