Olga and Illina accompanied me to the Bolshoi theatre because I threw a fit one evening as it occured to me that I had yet to see Moscow by day! So in crumpled day clothes I very sheepishly stepped out of the car towards the Bolshoi theatre as if anticipating drumbeats and music to welcome me :-)
Bolshoi means ‘large’, ‘grand’, it was intended for opera and ballet originally, as these were considered nobler than drama. With excitement bubbling in me, I looked around me in awe:-)
The exterior of this building was magnificent resplendent with grandeur, a great example of fabulous Russian architecture. The interiors were breath taking and bold too. This building now, is state owned and I found out by reading some granite slabs in there, that it had a turbulent history to it. Apparently the first owner of this Imperial building not only became bankrupt & penniless, the entire building was gutted by a fire forcing the State govt to take over the reins, and reinstate its lost glory
Happily I entered this magnificient theatre looking for a stupendous experience… and The Swan Lake delivered it! I was lucky to have 2 local friends with me, who gave me a thorough understanding of what was to unfold which is why I enjoyed it much. It is worth doing some research before a show to enjoy the details and to have a memorable evening out. I still have the tab of the ticket to Bolshoi, kept with me, as if to remind myself that I saw a bit of history too:-)sitting up there in the dress circle with those binocs to get a closer glimpse of each and every move of the dancers- O twas magical!
At interval break I got speaking to some local theatre personnel and felt that, with its reconstruction and past glory set in place, the Russians are now hopeful that the Bolshoi will be back at the centre of world stage. I certainly wish them well!
10 comments:
Now let me tell you how I got around Mumbai, being the South African I am -- Mind you I am still Proudly Indian although I cant speak a word of Hindi (ok well some, like Pyar, DHost, Mere Dil - All Bollywood influenced of course).....
Ok so here goes, in order to con all retailers I was more Indian than SOuth African here is my story:
Mere Pappa is an established business man in Za (U KNOW NELSON MANDELA), yeah he is helping Nelson help the black people....
Anyhow, back here in India, Mere Pappa has an agarabathi making factory in Andheri East and I am planning for my shaadi (bollywood once again) to a very prestigous Sardar (whose father runs the local post office in Patinda)...It worked... Beat that Miss Bolshoi....
I hv seen the swan lake in nyc and it is breathtaking.
U r sooo lucky u got to the real Bolshoi theatre.
Does it compare with our theatres here?
wow!
I saw Swan Lake in Calcutta once, performed by a russian ballet troupe. It was beautiful even with limited acoustics. I can only imagine the magnificence at the Bolshoi. How I envy you. :)
what a vivid description of the bolshoi you have put....I am sure no theatre here provides the same ambience.... yet theatres area great craze specially in calcutta and one of my uncle being a great theatre personality of Bengal, I had the chance to have a look at some of the best places and best sorts........ i truely ahve enjoyed being there
Saads - u could'nt have pulled that one off for sure, u can't speak hindi to save ur @#* let alone get the hardnosed retailers to buy into your story! :-)
Mel- Broadway is too flamboyant according to me, tries hard to weave in the subtelities :-), Bolshoi does it effortlessly:-)
Ajeya ty:-)
Mathaethist - Russia is'nt too far away, worth a visit definitely:-)
Allex I didnt know abt ur famous unc- tell me more?:-)
What took you to Russia? The country must be on the upswing now I should think, and am certain it must be an intersting place, given it excels in whatever it takes up- gymnastics, sports, soccer, tennis, swimming...so am not surprised that Bolshoi is such a huge iconic symbol of Russia
Mike- it was work as usual:-)
U saw the kremlin, the catheedrals, the massive squares by waterfronts? It all is very inspirational is'nt it?
Gits- V-e-r-y:)
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