Moscow's Hermitage Garden will host a "Night of Poetry" performance on Friday to commemorate the legendary Soviet singer, songwriter and actor Vladimir Vysotsky who died 35 years ago this week.
The performance — organized by the celebrated Taganka Theater, on whose stage Vysotsky appeared from 1964 until the final days of his life, and an association of its actors — will begin at 10:30 p.m. on Friday and is expected to run through the morning of the next day, the anniversary of Vysotsky's death on July 25, 1980, at age 42.
"The commemorative night [will follow] a new, non-standard, 'other format,' fundamentally different from ordinary concerts," the theater said in a statement. "The 'other format' is when there is no stage and audience, when every viewer easily becomes an actor, and an actor a viewer. Where anyone can become a participant in the amazing creative process."
Anyone in attendance would be able to recite poetry or sing a song to "pay tribute to the poet, actor and singer, who is known to and loved by practically all of our compatriots," Taganka Theater director Irina Apeksimova said in a statement.
Most of Vysotsky's songs were available only through underground recordings during his lifetime, yet he was one of the most famous people in the Soviet Union, and one who was nearly universally loved.
He also played lead parts in several films, and his performances on the Taganka stage helped the theater gain widespread acclaim.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
