Oleg Menshikov on the new production of Hamlet at the Moscow Art Theater: The theater gave birth to a monster

The new production of Hamlet at the Chekhov Moscow Art Theater is a disaster, such performances have no place on stage. This was stated by the artistic director of the Yermolova Theater, People's Artist of Russia Oleg Menshikov in an address published on the Telegram channel.

The premiere screenings of the new play "Hamlet" staged by Andrei Goncharov with Yura Borisov in the title role took place on May 14 and 15 at the Chekhov Moscow Art Theater.

Menshikov explained that he often attended performances by young directors in the capital's theaters and saw a lot of different things, but the latest production of the version of William Shakespeare's immortal classic at the Chekhov Moscow Art Theater was a shock to him.

"What I saw was a theatrical disaster. The theater gave birth to a monster. You know, I was also spurred on by the fact that somewhere on the web I found a response that it turns out to be "brilliant," that "not everyone can understand it," that there are some hidden meanings that only a super-enlightened mind can understand. Oh, what's the point? There is not a single thought there. There is not even the origin of thought there," Menshikov said.

As you know, many directors explain their shocking ideas and controversial decisions with a single learned phrase: "I see it that way." But the theater community should not lose its sense of proportion and responsibility to the audience.

"Maybe it's our fault? After all, what the director says is not the ultimate truth, it's just a proposal for discussion. Maybe this should be a call for dialogue? With our tacit consent, this happens — such performances are born. Maybe, after all, we, the artists, should share responsibility for the performance that the theater produces, and not stay on the sidelines? A lot depends on us, the artists, let's not forget about it," Menshikov concluded.