One of the most-in-demand Mariinsky Theatre (St Petersburg) operas is now also in the playbill of the Primorsky Stage of the Mariinsky Theatre.
On 9 and 12 February, the premiere of the Gambler will be presented by tenor Vladimir Galouzine, who has been critically acclaimed as the best performer of its principal part.
Sergei Prokofiev wrote both the score and the libretto, based on the novel of the same name by Fyodor Dostoyevsky. However, this impressive and innovative opera, which was unlike everything that had been written before, did not receive public recognition till the end of the 20th century. Prokofiev used declamation instead of long monologues and continuous arias. Events of the plot are changing like the ever-evolving pattern in a kaleidoscope, there are no lengthy scenes in narrative logic. According to critics, Stage Director Temur Chkheidze has found a stylistically and dramaturgically correct solution. The laconic sets depict the railway station square of Roulettenberg, a fictitious German spa town, emphasizing the transience and fleetingness of what is happening. The leading part of Alexei, who is equally in love with the beautiful but manipulative Pauline and the roulette, is brilliantly performed by outstanding dramatic tenor Vladimir Galouzine. This role is considered to be the best in his repertoire, along with the obsessive Hernan from the Queen of Spades.
On 17 and 19 February, the part of Alexei will be sung by Sergei Semishkur, a representative of a new generation of the Mariinsky artists.
Soon after that, on 3 March, the opera will return to St Petersburg, where it will be performed at the Historic Stage of the Mariinsky Theatre,
