Vasily Barkhatov

Norma is a woman torn between two systems. As a chaste druid priestess, she decides on war and peace in an occupied land; secretly, she’s the lover of Roman commander Pollione and mother of his two children. Her double life unravels when Pollione plans to leave her for the younger priestess Adalgisa. Caught between love and vengeance, faith and reason, tradition and empire, Norma nearly kills her children—before choosing another, equally radical path. Vincenzo Bellini’s 1831 opera is a masterpiece of Italian Romanticism. The role of Norma, with its emotional and vocal range from bel canto to raw outcry, is iconic. Director Vasily Barkhatov sets the tragedy amid political upheaval, where old idols are replaced by new. Star soprano Asmik Grigorian debuts in the title role. Adalgisa is sung by Aigul Akhmetshina.

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Production of the Teatro San Carlo, 2024. Turandot can be considered Giacomo Puccini's masterpiece, being his last and unfinished opera, which tells the story of the beautiful and cruel Chinese princess Turandot, who subjects her suitors to a test consisting of solving three riddles, awaiting death if they are not able to do so.

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In 2008, cousins, students Lena and Natasha, dream of a beautiful life, and each in their own way tries to conquer Moscow, losing friends, family and dignity along the way. After 13 years, the sisters will meet again at the funeral of the father of one and the husband of the other. Lena does not believe in an accident and wants to take revenge on Natasha, whom she suspects of murder. Moreover, her father's parting gift gives her such an opportunity.

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A general and his stepdaughter are both heavily in debt. When the family's tutor, in love with the girl, gets lucky at the gambling table, he tries to rescue her from her desperate situation, but she outright rejects him. Prokofiev's first full-length opera The Gambler, based on Dostoyevsky's partly autobiographical novella ironically written to settle gambling debts, is rarely performed today. This 2020 production brings together director Vasily Barkhatov and conductor Modestas Pitrenas and stars the winner of the 2019 International Opera Award, Asmik Grigorian, in the role of Polina.

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Maxim Zhdanov's life consists of funny practical jokes, crazy ideas and experiments. But everything changes when his family moves to a quiet suburban village with absolutely nothing to do. And then there's trouble at school: after successfully passing the test, the teachers transfer Max to a class for gifted children, having considered the boy's talents as a child prodigy. Classmates and friends label him a "nerd", and Max becomes an outsider to ordinary guys.

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Vanya, a young scientist, has spent all his life in a satellite town next to one of the biggest nuclear stations. Just like his parents, Vanya works at the nuclear station, but only because his girlfriend, Tanya, also works in the facility. When the ambitious Tanya decides to end their relationship, Vanya must find his resolve and steer himself to true love.

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An almost Chekhovian story about a once successful director making his last film, in spite of everything and everybody, in his country house. Strange guests, vain actors, somewhat eccentric neighbours and the director are reason enough for the author’s irony, and sometimes sarcasm. And you remember? Chekhov’s guns always fire!

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A talk show

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In 2008, cousins, students Lena and Natasha, dream of a beautiful life, and each in their own way tries to conquer Moscow, losing friends, family and dignity along the way. After 13 years, the sisters will meet again at the funeral of the father of one and the husband of the other. Lena does not believe in an accident and wants to take revenge on Natasha, whom she suspects of murder. Moreover, her father's parting gift gives her such an opportunity.

Open details →

Vanya, a young scientist, has spent all his life in a satellite town next to one of the biggest nuclear stations. Just like his parents, Vanya works at the nuclear station, but only because his girlfriend, Tanya, also works in the facility. When the ambitious Tanya decides to end their relationship, Vanya must find his resolve and steer himself to true love.

Open details →