Theatre of Plastic Drama on Pechersk (Kyiv)

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Address: 7a, Shelkovichnaya Str., Kiev
Phone: +38044 253-93-83
Web: ktpd.com.ua

It is very unusual theatre. Plays are graceful and elegant. It is the "Theatre of silence" : actors do not talk here, and act only using own body, joining with emotions, express feelings and ideas, metaphors and illusions using the plastic art of motion, objects-symbols, character masks, and even sceneries which are changing during the play. As the basis, the theatre of plastic drama uses not only a pantomime but also so-called school of free motion. One of the most important factors in the "theatre of silence" is music, which not simply accompanies a play, but becomes the partner of an actor, the character of a play. Theatrical light not simply illuminate the space of the stage, but reacts on what is going on with all gamut of colours. Costumes are designed so actors can transform, change them during an action if necessary.

The theatre of plastic drama is headed by Vera Mishneva. As early as 1980th, mastering the technique of pantomime and playing in an amateur studio, she was imbued by the idea of a theatre, where an action develops without a single word. In this case an actor searches new methods of expression through a plastic picture, motion and mimicry. Using motion it is possible to show the subtle feelings, such, as idea, soul, dreams, remembrances, secret desires.

To bring this idea to life, Mishnyeva during 5 years tried this theory in her amateur studio, and created own troupe, able to master this sophisticated art. New technique should become something new, something more than usual pantomime and ballet.

The premiere of the play was in 1985. A play was named "A dream, or Parable about love". Afterwards this play was renamed as "Dreamer". In 1988 appeared “The Alpine ballad"- a play, based on the very beautiful and tragic story about Romeo and Juliet of Second World War by V. Bykov. After this performance a "basement" (in all senses) studio, even unknown to the Union of theatrical figures, was acknowledged officially. Thus a new theatre was born, and new theatrical view was born, there was new extraordinary direction in an art, never seen in USSR. It was named “plastic drama”.

In 1990-98 the theatre experienced a difficult period, because it didn’t have own apartment. In spite of this problem, new plays were created. In 1992 it was "Flowers of the desert" based on a novel by A. France "Тhаis". Masks, as symbols of phantom characters, were used in this play. The new method to express an idea of performances was born.

After 7 years, in July, 1999 "Flowers of the desert" was awarded with the "Grand Prix" on a theatrical festival "Bosporski Agons" in Kerch in all nomination: for the best play, direction, for performance by an actress in a leading role (Y. Danshina), for the best actor (V.Maksimenko).

In 1994, after the next success – of a play "Song of a lonely soul" based on the "Lisova Pisnya (literally “the forest song)" by Lesya Ukrayinka the theatre-studio of plastic drama has been given a state rank. Then the troupe got a present apartment and started repairs.

In May, 1998 the theatre, finally, found own house. It is very comfortable place. A hall seats 50 spectators. Unique stage, covered with black velvet, with stationary theatrical light, and sound. Finding of the permanent theatrical house was celebrated by the play "Romeo and Juliet". Later Shakespeare inspired the actors to perform another work - "Othello". What plays can be seen in the theatre of plastic drama? Phantasmagoria play “The portrait”, based on the story of M. Gogol, "Snow queen" based on the fairy-tale by Andersen, “Farewell, Mozart" based on “Моzart and Salieri” by Pushkin, "Don Guan. Pantomime for know-it-all", based on the "Stone guest" by Pushkin, and the "Little prince" by A. de Saint-Exupéry.

Also there is a small theatrical studio, where you can learn a unique technique of plastic drama.