Chekhov and the Moscow Art Theater: Crash Course Theater #34

Summary

Crash Course Theater explores Anton Chekhov's influence on Russian modernism and the Moscow Art Theater. The video delves into Chekhov's life, his transition from medicine to literature, and his unique approach to realism in plays like 'The Seagull' and 'The Cherry Orchard.' It discusses the Moscow Art Theater's commitment to psychological realism and Konstantin Stanislavski's evolving acting system, which has significantly impacted Western theater and acting techniques.

Takeaways

• 🎭 Anton Chekhov is celebrated as Russia's greatest playwright and a significant figure in the early years of Russian modernism.
• 🍾 The script humorously introduces the topic with the mention of pickles, brown bread, and vodka, hinting at the cultural elements associated with Chekhov's work.
• 🏛 Early Russian drama was influenced by European styles, including mystery plays and neoclassical works, with a unique twist of anti-Napoleon themes.
• 👑 Empress Catherine the Great played a role in the development of Russian theater by allowing the first professional theater and even writing plays herself.
• 📚 Russian romantic theater was marked by the works of Alexander Pushkin and Mikhail Lermontov, but was hindered by censorship.
• 🏰 Realism in Russian theater arrived early, with notable works by Ivan Turgenev and Alexander Ostrovsky, despite the state-controlled and censorship-heavy environment.
• 👨‍⚕️ Anton Chekhov was a trained doctor who became a renowned playwright, often incorporating elements of his medical knowledge into his literature.
• 📖 Chekhov's plays, such as 'The Seagull,' initially faced criticism but were later recognized for their realistic portrayal of life and innovative use of subtext.
• 🌳 'The Cherry Orchard,' Chekhov's last play, is highlighted as an example of his realistic drama and use of symbolism, representing the end of an old order.
• 🎨 The Moscow Art Theater, founded by Vladimir Nemirovich-Danchenko and Konstantin Stanislavski, was pivotal in promoting psychological realism in acting and staging.
• 🤹‍♂️ Stanislavski's system for actor training, despite various interpretations and translations, has had a lasting impact on Western theater, film, and television.

Q & A

Who is Mike Rugnetta and what is the focus of the video?

Mike Rugnetta is the presenter of Crash Course Theater. The video focuses on exploring Anton Chekhov, the Moscow Art Theater, and the early years of Russian modernism, including the themes of laughter, tears, and vodka.

What was the state of early Russian drama?

Early Russian drama was similar to that of France, Germany, and Italy, with mystery plays and folk comedies that evolved into neoclassical scholastic plays, some of which were anti-Napoleon dramas.

Who was the first to allow a professional theater in Russia and what did she contribute?

Empress Catherine the Great allowed the first professional theater to open in St. Petersburg in the mid-1700s. She also wrote comedies and adapted 'The Merry Wives of Windsor' with Russian names.

What were the challenges faced by Russian romantic theater?

Russian romantic theater faced challenges due to censorship, which led to the unproduced works of Alexander Pushkin and Mikhail Lermontov for years.

Who is Anton Chekhov and what is significant about his background?

Anton Chekhov is considered Russia's greatest playwright. He was born in 1860, his paternal grandfather had been a serf, and he trained as a doctor while devoting himself to literature.

What was the initial reception of Chekhov's 'The Seagull'?

Chekhov's 'The Seagull' initially flopped when it was produced in 1896. The actors struggled with their lines, and the audience booed, leading Chekhov to leave the theater and vow never to write another play.

How did the Moscow Art Theater come to be associated with Chekhov's works?

Vladimir Nemirovich-Danchenko, a writer and theater director, loved 'The Seagull' and remounted it at the newly founded Moscow Art Theater, leading to Chekhov writing three more major works.

What is unique about Chekhov's approach to playwriting?

Chekhov's plays are unique because they feel like life, with less focus on climaxes or cliffhangers, and more on everyday activities. He emphasized the importance of showing life as it really is on stage.

What is the significance of 'The Cherry Orchard' in Chekhov's work?

'The Cherry Orchard' is significant as Chekhov's last play, showcasing his prevalent themes and style, including the use of subtext and the idea that happiness or life's tragedies can occur during everyday moments.

What was the Moscow Art Theater's approach to acting and staging?

The Moscow Art Theater, founded by Nemirovich-Danchenko and Konstantin Stanislavski, aimed for realism and naturalism in acting and staging, focusing on psychological realism to make characters appear, sound, and feel real.

What is the Stanislavski System and how has it influenced Western theater?

The Stanislavski System is a method of actor training developed by Konstantin Stanislavski, focusing on thorough training of the body and voice, understanding of stage techniques, and psychological realism. Despite some mistranslations and changes, it dominates Western theater, film, and television.