"Petersburg," a 1913 novel of political intrigue by Russian writer Andrei Bely, has been described as one of the masterpieces of 20th-century literature by writer Vladimir Nabokov, and inspired another Soviet writer to call its author "a Russian [James] Joyce." For the first time ever, the work will be brought to life on stage as the final production of the Yale Repertory Theatre's 1997-98 season.
Adapted for the stage by School of Drama alumnus C.B. Coleman, "Petersburg" is set in Russia in 1905, as the power of the aristocracy is beginning to fade and a revolutionary spirit is on the rise. Nikolai, the rebellious son of a Czarist senator, blindly drifts into the clutches of an anarchist faction. His first assignment is to assassinate his father using a bomb concealed in a sardine can. His involvement in the murder scheme is complicated by a double agent, a frustrated love affair with a married woman who conducts seances and the spirit of 19th-century Russian anarchist Bakunin.
"Bely's 'Petersburg' is a modern urban tale that is fast-paced, witty, and like most cities, sunny -- in spots," says Stan Wojewodski Jr., artistic director of the Rep and dean of the School of Drama. "C.B. Coleman has hewn a true evening of theater from this sprawling work. We're delighted to present this world premiere adaptation of one of the richest novels ever written."
The show will open on Thursday, April 30, and run through Saturday, May 23.
While the novel "Petersburg" is relatively unknown in the United States, its adaptation will have meaning for American theater audiences, says Coleman. "The novel, as well as the stage adaptation, has many contemporary resonances -- hapless anarchists and their bumbling attempt to overcome a stagnant political and social order, as well as an obsession with the occult and mysticism to explain an increasingly irrational and splintered world," says the playwright, who is also a translator and dramaturg. "Yet perhaps the most relevant and enduring theme for us today is that of Russian identity -- an issue that is being played out on the world stage by the first democratically elected [Russian] government today."
Coleman received his doctorate in dramaturgy and dramatic criticism from the School of Drama. His work has been published in Yale's Theater magazine and in Parabasis, the journal of A.S.K. Theater Projects. He has translated several Soviet-era plays, including Mikhail Bulgakov's "The Crimson Isle" and Nikolai Erdman's "The Warrant." His own plays have received productions and workshops at Brown Theatre, Berkshire Theater Festival and Trinity Repertory Company.
Directing "Petersburg" will be Evan Yionoulis, who directed the premieres of "Vampires in Kodachrome" and "The My House Play" at the Rep. She has also staged works for The Joseph Papp Public Theater, the American Music Theater Festival, South Coast Repertory and Lincoln Center's Serious Fun! Festival, among others. Her most recent credits include "Three Days of Rain" at Manhattan Theatre Club and "The Maiden's Prayer" at Vineyard Theatre.
Jason Butler Harner will portray Nikolai. Harner most recently appeared as Donalbain in George C. Wolfe's production of "Macbeth" at The Joseph Papp Public Theater. He has performed in theaters in New York and regionally.
In the role of Nikolai's father, Apollon Apollonovich Ableukhov, will be John Wylie, who has appeared on Broadway in "Grand Hotel, The Musical" and the Madeleine Kahn revival of "Born Yesterday." He originated the role of Drumm in "Da" and played the character in the play's national tour. He has also starred in numerous productions as a member of the Pearl Theatre acting company.
Other cast members include Teri Lamm as Varvara Efgrafovna, Sevanne Martin as Sofia Petrovna Likhutina, Christopher McHale as Lippanchenko, Michael Potts as Morkovin, William Preston as Semyon Semyonych and Richard Topol as Alexander Dudkin.
The design team for "Petersburg" includes scenic designer Andrew Cavanaugh Holland, costume designer Linda Cho, lighting designer Don Holder and sound designer Malcolm Nicholls. The production dramaturg is Cynthia Brizzell.
The Yale Repertory Theatre is located on the corner of Chapel and York streets. Tickets for "Petersburg" range from $25 to $32. Group discounts are available. To purchase tickets call the Yale Rep box office at 432-1234. The box office is open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays and Saturdays.
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